Stocks remain in the red following a failed attempt to move higher. The ill-fated climb actually saw the Nasdaq come within close reach of the flat line.
Financials have been a heavy drag on trade today. The sector's 1.1% loss takes it to its lowest level of 2011.
Weakness within the financial sector is widespread. Franklin Resources (BEN 126.82, +0.61), Invesco (IVZ 24.68, +0.14), and Chubb (CB 65.17, +0.15) are among the few that have managed to tick higher today. Goldman Sachs (GS 144.16, -3.72) and Citigroup (C 41.92, -1.00) are the worst performers. Their weight has also made them the heaviest drags on trade.