U.S. Stocks Open Lower After CPI, Stronger Dollar

U.S. stocks opened lower on Tuesday as data showing the first increase in inflation in four months pushed the dollar higher, sending ripples through commodity and equity markets. Higher inflation is one of the metrics that the Federal Reserve would like to see before committing to raising interest rates and an uptick in February's CPI reminded investors that the first rate hike may come as soon as June. The S&P 500 was 2 points, or 0.1%, lower at 2,102. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 17 points, or 0.1%, lower to 18,099. The Nasdaq Composie dipped 2 points, or 0.1%, to 5,009.