Stocks extended their morning retreat into the red, but support has helped them start to rebound. The major equity averages are still mixed, however.
Financials continue to outperform. The sector is up 0.6% while the overall S&P 500 trades with a fractional loss. Banks continue to underpin the sector's strength. Bank of America (BAC 11.76, +0.19) has been a primary leader in its space. In contrast, materials stocks are under the most pressure. The sector has fallen to a 1.2% loss as steel stocks like U.S. Steel (X 52.05, -0.91) retreat.