The markets opened mostly lower as investors mulled over the latest unemployment figures and a weak regional manufacturing report. The Dow lost 27 points to 12,001 while Nasdaq dropped 8 points to 2421.
On the upside
Pantry (NYSE: PTRY) told analysts that overall results for the chain of convenience stores would be better than expectations.Solar panel producer Evergreen Solar (Nasdaq: ESLR) announced two deals worth a total of $600 million through 2012.
Disease-management program administrator Healthways (Nasdaq: HWAY) posted higher 3rd quarter profits as the company signed more contracts.
On the downside
Coventry Health Care (NYSE: CVH) lowered its outlook for the year due to higher costs. Analysts promptly downgraded the managed care provider.Shares of chemical maker Huntsman (NYSE: HUN) tumbled as investors worried that Hexion Specialty Chemicals would withdraw its offer.
Circuit City (NYSE: CC) reported a wider loss for its latest quarter, but the results for the consumer electronics retailer was better than expected.
In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin
of 4 to 3 on both the NYSE and on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which
tracks small cap stocks eased a point to 729.
