Lower markets ahead of Fed statement

The markets opened lower with the Dow falling 67 points to 17,781 ahead of the Federal Reserve's statement. Nasdaq lost 9 points to 4,927.

On the upside

Vitesse Semiconductor (Nasdaq: VTSS) will be acquired by Microsemi (Nasdaq: MSCC) for a premium of $5.28 per share in cash.

Novogen (Nasdaq: NVGN) reported that its Anisina demonstrated potential to destroy a cancer cell's cytoskeleton.

Retrophin (Nasdaq: RTRX) will acquire the worldwide rights to the first Food and Drug Adminstration approved pediatric and adult patients with bile acid synthesis disorders treatment Cholban.

On the downside

Willbros Group (NYSE: WG) delayed filing its annual report.

Nektar Therapeutics (Nasdaq: NKTR) reported disappointing results from a Phase 3 clinical study of its advanced breast cancer treatment NKTR-102.

RSP Permian (NYSE: RSPP) priced its public offering of 5 million common shares at the discounted price of $25.80 per share.

In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of more than 9 to 7 on both the NYSE and on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 slipped 4 points to 2069. Bitcoin fell $13 to $268.