Dow Opens Higher as Home Depot Shares Boost Market

In a promising start to the trading day, the blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average edged higher, buoyed by Home Depot's favorable performance following the retailer's decision to uphold its annual forecasts. The Dow climbed by 40.5 points to reach 44,952.36, indicating investor optimism in the retail sector.

However, caution remained the dominant sentiment across Wall Street as market participants turned their attention to an upcoming Federal Reserve conference. The S&P 500 shed 2.9 points, dipping to 6,446.24, as investors awaited potential policy insights that could influence market direction.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite also witnessed a slight decline, dipping by 22.3 points to 21,607.452 at the opening bell. Despite the mixed start, the focus remains on how impending central bank discussions might shape the economic landscape.

(With inputs from agencies.)