The Dow's opening rally faded abruptly in early trading, leaving a minor deficit, although technology shares continued their recent good performance.

The DJIA was down 11.46 at 8879.78, having initially pushed up to 8928.35.

The Nasdaq composite was 9.81 higher at 1771.60, as technology stocks have continued to rebound from their weakness at the start of the week, while support has evaporated for blue chips.

Traders had earlier warned, that given the Dow's tendency to sell off late in the session, investors should not be too heartened by the early recovery.