The Dow Jones Industrials and S&P 500 were little changed on Tuesday morning, trading near record highs as Federal Reserve officials kick off their March meeting.
The 30-stock index dropped 64.47 points to 32,888.99
The S&P added to Monday’s record levels, picking up 9.13 points, to 3,978.07,
The NASDAQ Composite leaped 114.02 points to 13,574.25.
On Tuesday Lennar and CrowdStrike are among the companies set to report earnings.
February retail sales fell by more than expected, down 3%, data released Tuesday showed, reflecting in part a month marked by severe weather across the United States. However, January’s retail sales figures were revised upward to a 7.6% jump from a 5.3% increase, so the markets largely ignored the number.
Despite the recent records for major averages, there’s growing concern among investors that interest rates may continue to climb, snuffing out the comeback for equities. Traders will get more guidance from the Federal Reserve on rates and inflation on Wednesday.
The central bank kicks off its two-day meeting on Tuesday, followed by a statement and briefing from Chairman Jerome Powell the following day.
Prices for 10-Year Treasurys were unchanged, keeping yields at Monday’s 1.60%.
Oil prices sagged $1.54 to $63.85 U.S. a barrel.
Gold prices grew $3.50 to $1,732.70.