Dow and S&P at '97 lows

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The Dow and S&P 500 tumbled to levels not seen in nearly 12 years Monday, as investors continue to worry that the government's efforts to slow the recession won't be sufficient.

The Dow Jones industrial average (INDU) lost 250 points, or 3.4%, ending at the lowest point since May 7, 1997.

The S&P 500 (SPX) index lost 26 points, or 3.5%, ending at the lowest point since April 11, 1997.

The Nasdaq composite (COMP) lost 53 points, or 3.7%. The tech-fueled index has held up better than the rest of the market so far this year, closing at the lowest points since Nov. 20, 2008.

"It's fear-based selling," said Dave Hinnenkamp, CEO at KDV Wealth Management. "The fact that we're touching these multi-year lows tells you we don't know where the bottom of this thing is."

Stocks gained in the morning on reports that the government may boost its stake in Citigroup as it briefly assuaged fears that the troubled bank would have to be nationalized. But the early advance quickly petered out, as the worries of the last few weeks returned.

"There is just nobody who wants to buy right now," said Ron Kiddoo, chief investment officer at Cozad Asset Management.

"The skepticism is back," Kiddoo said. "I think we need to hear some optimistic talk from our leaders and soon."

Stocks are now extra vulnerable with the major gauges at the multi-year lows, said Gary Webb, CEO at Webb Financial Group.

"Worries about how long it will take for the government programs to have an impact and worries about the health of the banks and the autos are all there," Webb said.

But there is also just the day-to-day reality that many investors are losing money and don't know when they are going to stop losing money, he said.

After the close of trade, JPMorgan Chase said it was cutting its divided to 5 cents per share from 38 cents per share currently.