U.S. stocks start higher as DuPont raises forecast

Date: Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:01:11 (GMT)

U.S. stocks move higher, lifted in part by a raised 2008 forecast from
chemicals giant and Dow industrials component DuPont but tempered by a
recession forecast from Goldman Sachs.

DuPont says global farm growth to boost 2008 profit outlook

NEW YORK
E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. expects 2007 profit to come in at the
upper end of its previously forecast range of $3.15 to $3.20 a share,
thanks to emerging-market growth, particularly for its agriculture and
nutrition business, the chemicals giant said Wednesday.

Bond insurer MBIA slashes dividend to preserve capital

NEW YORK
MBIA Corp. is cutting its quarterly dividend by 62% as part of a plan to
preserve capital and maintain it's all-important AAA credit rating, the
bond insurer said Wednesday.

Marks & Spencer shares tumble after weak sales update

LONDON
Shares in Marks & Spencer tumbled as much as 21% Wednesday after
Britain's iconic clothing retailer reported declining same-store sales
in a further sign that the credit crunch has hit consumer spending.