As of the first few minutes of trade, the Nasdaq is underperforming its counterparts for the second straight session. Its weakness stems largely from losses among large-cap tech issues as well as renewed selling interest against semiconductor stocks (-0.8%).
Energy stocks have been hit with some of the stiffest selling pressure, though. The sector is already down 1.1%. Pressure therein is largely the result of a recent downturn in oil prices, which are now at $104 per barrel with a 1.3% loss.
Financials are showing strength, however. The sector is up to an enviable 0.6% gain as bank stocks and diversified financial services plays attract bidders.