NEW YORK, July 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. stocks opened lower on Tuesday as market sentiment was dampened by the news that the United States threatened a new wave of tariffs on European goods.

(Photo: VCG)

Shortly after the opening bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased 63.40 points, or 0.24 percent, to 26,654.03. The S&P 500 was down 3.56 points, or 0.12 percent, to 2,960.77. The Nasdaq Composite Index fell 12.50 points, or 0.15 percent, to 8,078.66.

Six of the 11 primary S&P 500 sectors traded lower, with energy down 1.2 percent shortly after the opening, the worst-performing group. Real estate, however, rose more than 0.8 percent, outperforming the rest.

The U.S. government on Monday proposed punitive tariffs on additional 4 billion U.S. dollars of EU goods amid their dispute over aircraft subsidies.

Investors were worried that the potential new levies would further dent economic outlook and impact corporate earnings, experts noted.

U.S. stocks advanced on Monday with the S&P 500 notching a record closing high, boosted by rallying tech shares.