The benchmark S&P 500 index opened flat on Monday as investors awaited more bank earnings and views from Federal Reserve policymakers that could shape expectations around when the central bank would pause its monetary policy tightening.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 43.99 points, or 0.13 percent, at the open to 33,930.46. The S&P 500 opened lower by 0.47 points, or 0.01 percent, at 4,137.17, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 15.23 points, or 0.13 percent, to 12,108.23 at the opening bell.