US stocks open lower as investors await Fed decisions

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - Major indices in the US stock market opened lower on Monday, awaiting the Federal Reserve's two-day meeting that will conclude on Wednesday.

The Dow Jones industrial average was down 77 points, or 0.22%, to 35,890 at 9.36 a.m. EDT (1436GMT). The S&P 500 lost 6 points, or 0.14%, to 4,705.

The Nasdaq decreased 8 points, or 0.6%, to 15,618.

The VIX volatility index, known as the fear index, was on the rise by adding 6.9% to 19.98.

The dollar index added 0.13% to 96.22, but the yield on 10-year US Treasury notes fell 2.76% to 1.448%.

Precious metals were up, with gold adding 0.2% to $1,788 per ounce and silver rising 0.8% to $22.34.

Crude prices decreased around 0.9% with Brent crude trading at $74.47 per barrel and US benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude at $70.86.

The Fed is not expected to increase interest rates on Wednesday, but it is highly anticipated to signal at least one rate hike for 2022.