Markets January 31, 2008

Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:41:08 (GMT)

Pre-open moves
A weaker start loomed as earnings and bond insurers held the spotlight,
overshadowing the Fed's latest rate cut. First-time jobless claims
rocketed higher by 69,000 in the latest week and real consumer spending
flattened in December, further evidence the economy was getting weaker
as the fourth quarter closed.