US stocks open stable as week winds down

US stocks opened stable on Friday, following the release of key economic data, amid anticipation for the latest developments of the coronavirus health crisis in China.

China revealed today that the coronavirus death toll rose to more than 1,400 people, and infected 60,000 others.

Yesterday speculations emerged about the slowdown in the spread of the virus, and its elimination by April, but Hubei province has reported more cases and deaths.

Data showed that the US retail sales rose by 0.3% in January, while the industrial production index fell by 0.2%, to contract for the fourth time in five months.

As for stocks, Dow Jones slipped 0.1% or 29 points to trade at 29,393 as of 15:04 GMT, while Nasdaq gained 0.1% or 8 points to 9,720, and S&P 500 held at 3,375 points.