(By Salman - iStockAnalyst Writer)US stocks dropped on Friday as weaker-than-expected consumer sentiment data disappointed investors.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 76.79 points or 0.82% to finish at 9,321.40. The S&P 500 declined 8.64 points or 0.85% to end at 1,004.09.73. The Nasdaq Composite fell 23.83 points or 1.19% to 1,985.52.

According to findings of Reuters/University of Michigan survey, U.S. consumer sentiment index unexpectedly declined in early August to 63.2 from 66.0 Economists expected a reading of 69 in July. The seasonally adjusted output of the nation's factories, mines and utilities increased 0.5% last month.

A release by Department of Labor on Wednesday showed consumer prices were unchanged in July. The core consumer price index, which excludes food and energy, rose 0.1% in the month. Economists had expected no change in the monthly consumer price index.

The US Federal Reserve reported Friday that index of industrial production increased 0.5% last month, compared to a rise of 0.7% anticipated by economists. Capacity utilization improved to 68.5% from a record-low 68.1% in June.

Airplane maker Boeing Co. (NYSE: ) tumbled $1.75 or 3.75% to $44.87.According to media reports, Boeing Co. has halted production at a 787 Dreamliner facility in Italy that was making parts for the plane's fuselage because of weakness in its composite skin.

Shares of Alcoa Inc. (NYSE: ), the largest US aluminum maker, plunged 44 cents or 3.21% to $13.71.

Caterpillar Inc.(NYSE: ) lost $1.17 or 2.48% to close at $46.

Shares of chemical maker DuPont Co. (NYSE: ) plummeted 87 cents or 2.62% to $32.36.

Home Depot (NYSE: ) fell 54 cents or 1.95% to $27.14.

Among financials, Bank of America Corp.