U.S. stocks open lower on GDP report

U.S. stocks opened narrowly lower Friday after data showed the U.S. economy returned to moderate growth in the fourth quarter of 2014.

The country's economy expanded at a 2.2 percent annual rate in the fourth quarter of 2014, revised down from the advance estimate of 2.6 percent, according to the second estimate from the U.S. Commerce Department released Friday.

The revised-figure mainly reflected that the private inventory investment increased less than previously estimated, said the Commerce Department in a statement.

The economy grew 5 percent in the third quarter and 4.6 percent in the second quarter after contracting in the first quarter of 2014. In 2014, the economy expanded 2.4 percent year on year, compared with an increase of 2.2 percent in 2013.

In Europe, Greece was in the spotlight again with German lawmakers approved the extension of Greek bailout program on Friday, although doubts about the Greek's government credibility prevail in Germany.

Shortly after the opening bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 16.02 points, or 0.09 percent, to 18,198.40. The S&P 500 ticked down 0.23 points, or 0.01 percent, to 2,110.51. The Nasdaq Composite Index edged down 0.87 points, or 0.02 percent, to 4,987.02.

U.S. stocks closed mixed amid downbeat economic data Thursday, as Wall Street continued to digest Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen's remarks on monetary policy in her testimonies. Endi