Markets open lower after retail data

The Dow Jones industrial average was down 35.04 points, or 0.29 percent, at 12,233.15. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index was down 3.39 points, or 0.25 percent, at 1,328.93. The Nasdaq Composite Index was down 6.97 points, or 0.25 percent, at 2,810.21.

Sales at U.S. retailers in January were pressured by anemic receipts at building materials and restaurant outlets, likely reflecting the effects from snowstorms that had slammed large parts of the country.

(Reporting by Ryan Vlastelica)