NEW YORK, Feb 2 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks opened lower on Wednesday as a strong reading on the labor market failed to convince investors to add to gains a day after the Dow and S&P advanced to their highest close in about 2-1/2 years.
U.S. private employers added 187,000 jobs in January, more than forecast, according to a report from ADP Employer Services.
The Dow Jones industrial average was down 14.38 points, or 0.12 percent, at 12,025.78. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index was off 3.80 points, or 0.29 percent, at 1,303.79. The Nasdaq Composite Index dipped 5.92 points, or 0.22 percent, at 2,745.27.