Wall Street opens lower on healthcare losses

US stock indices opened the first session of the week lower with healthcare leading the decline on Wall Street after a federal judge ruled Obamacare was unconstitutional, and amid concerns of a US recession next year. 

Earlier US data showed the Empire State Manufacturing Index down sharply to 10.9 from 23.3 in November, missing estimates of 20.1, while an index tracking housing prices receded as well to 56 from 60, also missing estimates of 61. 

Stock Performance  

As of 03:47 GMT, Standard and Poor's 500 fell 0.48%, or 12.46 points to 2,587.49, while Dow Jones shed 0.58%, or 139.71 points to 23,960.80. 

Tech-heavy Nasdaq slid 0.40%, or 27.57 points to 6,882.97.