US stocks open lower with weak Microsoft, Boeing earnings

US stocks were down at the opening bell Wednesday with weak results from major companies, including Microsoft and Boeing.

 

The Dow fell 242 points, or 0.72%, to 33,490 at 9.36 a.m. EDT (1436GMT). The S&P 500 lost 48 points, or 1.2% to 3,968.

 

The tech-heavy Nasdaq decreased 193 points, or 1.7%, to 11,141 points.

 

Microsoft’s stock plummeted 3.9% after it said late Tuesday that revenue rose just 2% in the October-December period — the slowest increase in the company’s history since 2016.

 

Boeing shares were down 1.4% at the time as the aerospace manufacturer announced Wednesday that it saw more than $5 billion net loss last year.

 

The VIX volatility index, also known as the fear index, rose 4.7% to 20.11, while the 10-year US Treasury yield fell 0.8% to 3.440%.

 

The dollar index was flat at 101.93, whereas the euro added 0.5% to $1.0890 against the greenback.

 

Precious metals were in negative territory, with gold trimming 0.34% to $1,930 per ounce and silver shedding 0.3% to $23.60.

 

Crude oil prices were also down, with global benchmark Brent crude losing 0.2% to $85.95 per barrel and US benchmark West Texas Intermediate at $80.05 — a 0.1% daily loss.

 

Source: Anadolu Agency