Dow Today – Wall Street Opens Lower on Signs of Spending Slowdown; Dow Down 250 Pts By Fintech Zoom

By Geoffrey Smith 

Fintech Zoom — U.S. stock markets opened lower in choppy trading on Friday, with ongoing liquidations in many stocks contrasting with pockets of strength in companies with better short-term cash generation. 

The market was troubled by data showing that wage growth slowed the fourth quarter, while personal spending fell again in December as consumer prices continued to rise at a brisk clip. 

By 9:37 AM ET (1437 GMT), the was down 252 points, or 0.7%, at 33,909 points. The was down 0.5% and the was down 0.3%. The three indices have made an unconvincing start to the year, with declines of 6%, 9% and 15% respectively so far.