U.S. equities opened lower on Monday, December 29, showing mild but broad-based weakness across major indices. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 25.24 points (-0.05%) to 48,685.73, signaling a cautious start after recent highs. The S&P 500 declined more sharply, down 27.92 points (-0.4%) to 6,902.02, reflecting pressure on large-cap stocks. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite led the downside with a 177.93-point drop (-0.75%) to 23,415.17, as tech and growth names faced heavier selling.

The softer open suggests profit-taking and risk-off positioning near year-end, with investors reassessing valuations and macro expectations heading into the new year.