Midday Leaders and Laggards: Nasdaq 100

The index, which includes 100 of the largest nonfinancial securities listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, fell 26.27 points to 2,006.30 in midday trading. The broader Nasdaq composite fell 32.41 points to 2,490.25.

The Commerce Department said Monday construction activity fell again in April, continuing a downward trend that began last fall.

Meanwhile, Wachovia Corp.'s board of directors forced out Chief Executive Ken Thompson, and Washington Mutual Inc. said it will separate the roles of chairman and chief executive, effective July 1.

Shares of United Airlines parent UAL Corp. fell 72 cents, or 8.6 percent, to $7.81. On Friday the company scrapped plans to combine with US Airways.

Shares of Focus Media Holding Ltd. lost $1.89, or 4.7 percent, to $38.38.

Shares of Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. slipped $1.39, or 3.9 percent, to $33.87.

On the gaining side, shares of construction and engineering firm Foster Wheeler Ltd. rose $2.33, or 3.1 percent, to $78.50. The Institute for Supply Management said manufacturing activity rose slightly in May.

Shares of beverage maker Hansen Natural Corp. gained 50 cents to $31.74.

Shares of Intuitive Surgical Inc. increased 79 cents to $294.43.