(Reuters) – The New York Stock Exchange opened lower on Wednesday, as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the dockers’ strike in the United States continued to weigh on sentiment.

In early trading, the Dow Jones index lost 23.96 points, or 0.06%, to 42,133.01 points and the broader Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 0.24% to 5,695.31 points.

The Nasdaq Composite lost 0.25 or 45.08 points, to 17,865.28.

Fears of an escalation in the Middle East are weighing on investor sentiment, particularly after Iran launched missiles at Israel on Tuesday in Tehran’s most serious attack on its enemy yet, in which the Netanyahu government and the United States have promised to respond strongly.

Added to geopolitics is the strike in American ports, which is entering its second day despite calls from American President Joe Biden for port operators to increase their wage offer in order to reach an agreement with dockworkers.

Furthermore, the higher than expected number of job creations in September announced by the ADP firm attests to the resilience of the American economy and supports the approach of a gradual reduction in rates recommended by the President of the Fed on Monday .

These data were eagerly awaited before the release on Friday of the official employment report from the Department of Labor, more complete and even more closely monitored.

In terms of values, Nike fell 6.3% after giving up its annual turnover forecast on Tuesday evening.

Tesla, which on Wednesday published vehicle deliveries lower than estimates for the third quarter, fell 3%.

The surge in oil prices due to the situation in the region benefits energy groups, with Exxon Mobil and Chevron taking around 1.5%.

*For values ​​to track, click [L8N3LE0LR]

(Written by Diana Mandiá, edited by Blandine Hénault)

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