S&P 500 muted after strong inflation data

FILE PHOTO: A U.S flag is seen on the New York Stock Exchange in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S., November 6, 2020. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo

(Reuters) – The S&P 500 opened nearly flat on Tuesday as data showed consumer prices increased by the most in more than 8-1/2 years in March, while Johnson & Johnson slipped as federal health agencies recommended pausing the use of its COVID-19 vaccine.

The S&P 500 opened higher by 2.11 points, or 0.05%, at 4,130.10, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 52.45 points, or 0.38%, to 13,902.45 at the opening bell.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 24.24 points, or 0.07%, at the open to 33,721.16.

Reporting by Medha Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel

source: reuters.com