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U.S. STOCKS DIP, WITH TRANSPORTS DOWN MORE THAN 2%

The three major U.S. stock indexes are lower in early trading on Friday, led again by declines in the Dow .DJI, with the Dow transportation average .DJT falling more than 3%.

Industrials .SPLRCI are leading the day's declines among S&P 500 .SPX sectors, with most of the major groups lower in morning trade.

Investors also are digesting a report showing U.S. consumer sentiment dropped more than expected in February to a 15-month low and inflation expectations rocketed. Consumers worried that President Donald Trump's plans for steep and broad-based tariffs would eat into their purchasing power.

UnitedHealth UNH.N shares are down 8% after the Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. Justice Department has launched an investigation into the company's Medicare billing practices in recent months.

Here is the early market snapshot:

(Caroline Valetkevitch)

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FOR FRIDAY'S EARLIER LIVE MARKETS POSTS:

BENCHMARK TREASURY YIELD: STILL STUCK IN THE WEEDS - CLICK HERE

"CELTIC TIGER" LEAPS TO NEW RECORD HIGH - CLICK HERE

DON'T READ TOO MUCH INTO UK RETAIL SALES, ECONOMISTS SAY - CLICK HERE

BUNDS PULLED IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS - CLICK HERE

TARIFF RISK UNDERPRICED, AGAIN - CLICK HERE

STOXX 600 FIRMER AS CHEMICALS AND BEVERAGES LIFT INDEX - CLICK HERE

EUROPE BEFORE THE BELL: MODEST OPEN AWAITS, STOXX TO STAY AT RECORD - CLICK HERE

PMIS IN THE SPOTLIGHT AHEAD OF WEEKEND GERMAN ELECTIONS - CLICK HERE