U.S. stocks opened lower in early trade Monday.
Oil prices rose sharply and Iran rumors added to the unease in the sector.
The S&P 500 dropped rapidly while traders reacted.
Tech stocks kept the S&P under pressure on the back of earnings worries.
The Dow notched a modest rise but most shares were flat to lower through midday.
Traders think earnings will show if big tech and consumer stocks can recover in the coming days as market sentiment improves.