Stocks closed the last day of November with modest losses after starting out on a low note on disappointing economic data. The Nasdaq and Dow Jones industrial average gave up 0.4% each, while the S&P 500 shed 0.5%. Volume was higher across the board according to preliminary data — not surprising given Friday’s short post-Thanksgiving session. Decliners outpaced advancers by a 5-to-4 ratio on the NYSE and a narrower margin on the Nasdaq.