Stocks were slightly lower in early trading Tuesday as investors continued to worry about the Federal Reserve winding down its economic stimulus program and weak consumer spending in the United States.

California formally launched its insurance exchange for small businesses Monday as questions loom about potentially higher rates and just days after the federal government said it was shelving its version of the online portal for a year.

Seeking to move past its website woes, the Obama administration is launching a two-pronged health care strategy this month aimed at avoiding enrollment snafus come January while also trying to refocus the public's attention on broader benefits of the sweeping law.

Moody's warns that more changes to the laws rollout will have further negative implications for carriers.