Disappointing retail sales data drags down US stocks

U.S. stocks opened lower on Thursday, as a surprise drop in retail sales in December suggested a sharp slowdown in economic activity at the end of 2018, overshadowing hopes of a breakthrough in the U.S.-China trade talks.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 82.62 points, or 0.32 per cent, at the open to 25,460.65. The S&P 500 opened lower by 9.53 points, or 0.35 per cent, at 2,743.50. The Nasdaq Composite dropped 30.13 points, or 0.41 per cent, to 7,390.25 at the opening bell.