The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index was slightly lower on Monday, retreating by 0.03% to close at 13,271.64. Persistent turmoil in the Eurozone coupled with vanishing expectations that the POBC will loosen its monetary policy created notable pressure on the US blue chips. Only three in nine sectors included in the index climbed. The biggest gains posted consumer services and health care companies. Wal-Mart Stores closed 0.43% higher while Pfizer and Merck & Co rallied 0.50% and 0.95%, supported by a 20% jump of Coventry Health Care. On the downside were telecommunication and oil and gas companies. AT&T and Verizon Communications tumbled 0.75% and 0.82% while Exxon Mobile and Chevron declined by 0.51% and 0.12% on weak energy prices. Meanwhile, financials were mixed, with American Express plunging 1.20% and Bank of America climbing 1.88%.