Opening Bell Report

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.