U.S. stocks open lower amid growth worries

NEW YORK, March 22 (Xinhua) -- U.S. stocks opened Lower on Friday as Wall Street grappled with fears of global Economic slowdown triggered by the downbeat Economic data from major European countries.

Shortly after the opening bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 113.04 points, or 0.44 percent, to 25,849.47. The SP 500 was down 10.80 points, or 0.38 percent, to 2,844.08. The Nasdaq Composite Index decreased 27.87 points, or 0.36 percent, to 7,811.09.

Eight of the 11 primary SP 500 sectors traded Lower after Friday's opening, with both financials and materials down about 1.5 percent, leading the laggards.

The euro zone economy lost momentum again in March, expanding only modestly as manufacturers reported their steepest downturn for six years, said the global information provider IHS Markit on Friday.

According to the IHS Markit report, in Germany, business activity grew at its slowest rate since June 2013 with new orders declining for a third successive month. In France, business activity fell for the third time in four months.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Federal Reserve also Lowered its Economic growth forecast for 2019.

U.S. stocks advanced on Thursday as major tech shares surged, contributing to the market.