Author: Elena Todorova
123jump.com
Last Update: 11:19 AM EST January 31 2006

Stocks opened weak ahead of the FOMC minutes release. The key interest rate is expected to be increased by a quarter point to 4.5%. In earnings news Merck reported fourth-quarter earnings were up slightly. Altria Group posted higher Q4 earnings but forecast a decline in 2006 earnings due to restructuring charges. Haemonetics posted 155% quarterly profit jump of $1.02 a share, above estimates of 42 cents. Constellation Energy reported Q4 profit rise, beating estimates.