Mixed open for the major indices. S&P working on at 46th record close

The major US stock indices are opening up with mixed sentiment.

• The S&P index is working on it 46 record close
• The Dow industrial average closed at a record level on Friday but is trading lower today
• The NASDAQ index is leading the upside with a gain of 0.6%
• The Russell 2000 is also modestly lower at the start of trading

A snapshot of the market four minutes into the open showing:

• Dow industrial average at -108.30 points or -0.25% at 42755.56
• S&P index up 20.95 points or 0.36% at 5835.98.
• NASDAQ index up 117.23 points or 0.64% at 18460.17.
• Russell 2000 and -2.49 points or -0.11% has 2231.92

US debt markets are closed today in observance of the Columbus Day holiday. Canada markets are also closed for Thanksgiving.

Some stories:

• Boeing faces struggles, including job cuts and debt issues; JPMorgan kept an overweight rating but lowered its price target to $195.
• China’s ambiguous stimulus talks contrasted with military drills near Taiwan, raising concerns of potential conflict over Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. Only shares are trading down -2.96% in early trading
• Positive Apple news: JPMorgan sees iPhone demand rebounding, and Evercore ISI added Apple to its “Tactical Outperform” list, citing low expectations.. Apple shares are trading up 1.58%
• Morgan Stanley downgraded Caterpillar to sell-equivalent, lowering its price target to $332, while JPMorgan raised its target to $500, maintaining an overweight rating. Caterpillar shares are trading down -3.23% and on pace for its worst day since September 3.

This article was written by Greg Michalowski at www.forexlive.com.