S&P 500 Index opens slightly higher, stays below 4,400

• Wall Street's main indexes opened near Monday's closing levels.
• Defensive sectors trade in the positive territory after the opening bell.
• Energy shares remain on the back foot amid falling crude oil prices.

Major equity indexes in the US are trading near Monday's closing levels after the opening bell. As of writing, the S&P 500 was up 0.08% on the day at 4,390, the Nasdaq Composite was unchanged at 14,681 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average was rising 0.13% at 34,880.

Among the 11 major S&P 500 sectors, the defensive Healthcare and Real Estate indexes gain 0.5%, pointing to a cautious market mood on Tuesday. On the other hand, the Energy Index is down 0.55% pressured by falling crude oil prices. Currently, the barrel of West Texas Intermediate is trading at $69.65, losing 2.5% on a daily basis.

Later in the session, June Factory Orders from the US will be looked upon for fresh impetus. IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism Index will be featured in the US economic docket as well.

S&P 500 chart (daily)