U.S. stocks add to losses as consumer confidence falls

Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:01:03 (GMT)

U.S. stocks add to losses as consumer confidence falls

U.S. stocks pull back, solidifying early losses after data showing
consumer expectations at a 35-year low and home values falling further.

Economic Report: March consumer confidence down, outlook grim

U.S. consumer confidence falls hard in March, while expectations hit a
35-year low on pessimistic views of the business climate, job market and
personal income.

Economic Report: Home prices plunge a record 10.7% in past year

Home prices in 20 major U.S. metro areas plunge a record 10.7% in the
past year as prices continue to decelerate, Standard & Poor's says.

Monsanto ups profit view on corn, herbicide strength

Monsanto rings up double-digit gains after the agriculture giant boosted
its profit forecast on its core corn seed and herbicide business.

Valero warns on profit over costs for raw materials, refineries

NEW YORK
Valero Energy Corp.'s warning of sharply lower refining margins brought
the company's own outlook below Wall Street's own diminished
expectations for the struggling refiner, whose profits are under severe
pressure from soaring crude-oil prices and a spate of costly refinery
outages.