US shares were volatile at the market open overnight ahead of key data on the embattled housing industry and a meeting of Federal Reserve policymakers that could indicate the latest economic situation.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 10.89 points (0.11 per cent) to 10,304.41 in opening trades.
The tech-rich Nasdaq index shed 7.51 points (0.33 per cent) at 2254.29 and the S&P 500 index, a broader measure of the markets, retreated 1.30 points (0.12 per cent) to 1094.01.
The market was nervous ahead of data Wednesday on new-home sales in May, a day after investors were disappointed by figures showing that sales of previously owned homes fell 2.2 per cent last month after two consecutive rises.
Most economists expect new-homes sales to fall to 430,000 from 504,000 the previous month.
"The general perception surrounding the report underscores the level of anxiousness about the prospect of an economic slowdown in the second half that is driven by a weak labour market and potentially another downturn in housing," analysts at Briefing.com said.
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Many attributed yesterday's stock sell-off to the weaker-than-expected existing home sales report. The Dow fell more than 140 points.
The market will also keep track of the statement to be issued at the end of the Fed's top rate-setting body today.
The central bank is widely expected to keep its key rate of borrowing at between zero and 0.25 per cent to help spur economic growth.
US stocks drop on economic data worriesHome sales take unexpected dip
