Wall Street slips on consumer confidence data

U.S. stock indexes turned negative on Tuesday as a gauge of September consumer confidence fell short of Wall Street's expectations, sparking some caution about the strength of the economic recovery.

* The Dow Jones industrial average (.DJI) was down 20.25 points, or 0.21 percent, at 9,769.11. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index (.SPX) was down 1.51 points, or 0.14 percent, at 1,061.47. The Nasdaq Composite Index (.IXIC) was down 7.05 points, or 0.33 percent, at 2,123.69.