US: Stocks dip as Greece uncertainty weighs

[NEW YORK] US stocks were slightly slower in opening trade on Tuesday, falling with European equity markets on political uncertainty in eurozone member Greece.

Five minutes into trade, the Dow Jones Industrial Average stood at 18,008.31, down 29.92 points (0.17 per cent).

The broad-based S&P 500 fell 4.20 (0.20 per cent) to 2,086.37 while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index dipped 7.91 (0.16 per cent) to 4,799.00.

Analysts expected light volumes ahead of Thursday's New Year holiday, but also said the market was primed for some profit-taking after soaring to new records over the last week.

Equity markets in Britain, France and Germany were all off at least one per cent as Greece set a snap election to pick the next president on January 25. Analysts fear a victory by the anti-austerity far-left Syriza party could roll back measures required under the IMF-EU bailout of the country.

"This struggle will determine whether Greece stays in Europe," said Greek Prime Minister Antonio Samaras.

AFP