Midday Report: Intel Ups Third-Quarter Forecasts; U.S. Stocks Fall

Stocks fell as Wall Street eagerly awaited next week's meeting of the Federal Reserve. Crude oil also pressured markets, tumbling ahead of weekly data on the number of active oil rigs in the U.S. Consumer sentiment remained steady in September, according to the University of Michigan's Consumer Survey. Consumers' outlook on the economy remained optimistic, while income expectations dipped.  Intel (INTC) - Get Report rose after lifting its third-quarter sales expectations. The tech company said it has seen improving PC demand and the "replenishment of PC supply chain inventory." Intel will report its quarter mid-October. Unilever (UL) - Get Report fell on reports it is in talks to acquire The Honest Company, the ethical consumer retailer co-founded by actress Jessica Alba. The talks are at an early stage and Honest could opt to instead go public.