Stocks opened slightly lower on Wednesday, putting the S&P 500′s three-day winning streak in jeopardy after weaker-than-expected euro zone economic data.
The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI was down 12.11 points, or 0.09 percent, at 12,953.58. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index .SPX dipped 1.86 points, or 0.14 percent, at 1,360.35. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXICwas off 7.15 points, or 0.24 percent, at 2,941.42.
European shares fell for a second straight session as recession concerns increased after data showed the euro zone’s service sector unexpectedly shrank and amid residual worries about Greece despite its success in getting a bailout.
More on this topic
(What's this?)
The Fate of the Eurozone Hangs on Sunday's French Elections
(Money Morning, 5/4/12)
The Greek Bailout: Why I'm Mostly Bullish about the Eurozone
(Money Morning, 2/23/12)
Economist Gary Shilling: S&P 500 will drop 43% this year?
(Value Investing, 4/11/12)
The Greek and French Elections in a Nutshell
(Investment U, 5/8/12)