U.S. stocks open mixed amid falling Boeing shares

NEW YORK, March 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. stocks opened mixed on Monday as investors continued to look into The latest progress of The investigation of The deadly plane crash in Ethiopia last week involving The Boeing 737 Max 8 jet.

Shortly after The opening bell, The Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased 36.07 points, or 0.14 percent, to 25.812.80. The SP 500 was up 5.02 points, or 0.18 percent, to 2,827.50. The Nasdaq Composite Index increased 16.61 points, or 0.22 percent, to 7,705.14.

The Dow was dragged by Boeing stock. Shares of The Chicago-based aircraft manufacturer dropped 2.7 percent shortly after Monday's opening. The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that The U.S. Department of Transportation and federal prosecutors were scrutinizing The development of The company's 737 Max planes.

Seven of The 11 primary SP 500 sectors traded on an upbeat note, with financials rising more than 1 percent in morning session, leading The gainers among The groups.

Wall Street is also awaiting a Federal Reserve meeting which is scheduled to kick off on Tuesday. Investors will look for clues about The central bank's economic outlook.

In The week ending on March 15, U.S. stocks posted solid gains, with The Dow and SP 500 advancing 1.6 percent and 2.9 percent, respectively, while The Nasdaq rallying 3.8 percent.