The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index slid 0.42% to end Tuesday's session at 13,035.94. Dismal US economic data releases coupled with increased risk-aversion ahead of the ECB press conference due on Thursday created heavy pressure on the US blue chips. However, persistent expectations that the Fed will loosen its policy limited the downswing of the Dow Jones Index. Four in nine economic sectors included in the index advanced. The strongest was telecommunications industry, with AT&T and Verizon Communications jumping 0.46% and 1.77%. At the same time, basic materials and industrials dragged the US blue chips index lower. Alcoa and El du Pont de Nemours tumbled 1.64% and 1.85% after weak manufacturing data release. Meanwhile, falling oil prices weighted down on oil and gas companies. Chevron and Exxon Mobil slid 0.84% and 0.21%.