Expectations of Greek deal lowered, markets open mixed

The markets opened mixed with the Dow falling 55 points to 17,813 as European officials tempered expectations of a new debt deal with Greece. Nasdaq rose 7 points to 4,794.

On the upside

Volkswagen Group paid approximately $80 million to acquire an automotive related fuel cell patent portfolio from Ballard Power Systems (Nasdaq: BLDP).

Genworth Financial (NYSE: GNW) fell to a loss for the fourth quarter but the results were better than expected.

Rite Aid (NYSE: RAD) will buy EnvisionRx in a deal valued at approximately $2 billion.

On the downside

Pier 1 Imports (NYSE: PIR) cut its full year earnings guidance for the third time and announced the retirement of chief financial officer Cary Turner.

AOL (NYSE: AOL) reported higher fourth quarter earnings and revenue but revenue fell short of analyst expectations.

Jones Energy (NYSE: JONE) priced its public offering of 7.5 million common shares at the discounted price of $10.25 per share.

In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of more than 10 to 9 on both the NYSE and on Nasdaq. The broader S&P 500 slipped 2 points to 2066. Bitcoin added a point to $220.