Major U.S. stock-indexes little changed on Tuesday morning as investors looked for catalysts to drive the markets while keeping one eye on clues for the timing of the next interest rate hike. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen painted a rosy picture of the U.S. economy at an economic symposium on Friday and said the case for a rate hike was strengthening, but gave little indication on when the central bank could move. Investors are awaiting a report on monthly payrolls data due on Friday to assess whether it supports the hawkish tone that Fed officials have taken.

Most of Dow stocks in negative area (23 of 30). Top gainer - JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM, +0.28%). Top loser - The Boeing Company (BA, -1.51%).

Most of S&P sectors also in negative area. Top gainer - Conglomerates (+0.4%). Top loser - Utilities (-0.7%).

At the moment:

Dow 18447.00 -42.00 -0.23%

S&P 500 2174.75 -4.50 -0.21%

Nasdaq 100 4778.00 -15.25 -0.32%

Oil 46.45 -0.53 -1.13%

Gold 1321.40 -5.70 -0.43%

U.S. 10yr 1.57 +0.00