Before the bell 10-24-06: AAPL, GE, TWX, WMT

A day before the FOMC decision tomorrow regarding monetary policy and interest rate and the market seems somewhat nervous with futures pointing to a lower start early in the morning (7:00 a.m.). Disappointing news from Texas Instruments (NYSE:TXN), lowering Q4 outlook, could contribute to the downward pressure on stocks.

While most investors do expected the Federal Reserve to keep rates unchanged, at 5.25%, the rate is still at its highest level in more than five years. The statement read tomorrow by Fed chair Bernanke, will be scrutinized tomorrow as, converse to previous statements that instilled hopes the Fed might start lowering rates soon, this statement might indicate the opposite. Some economists believe the Fed might resume the rate hikes.

With little on the economic calendar, and as investors await the Fed's decision tomorrow, the market will most likely concentrate on earnings.

• DuPont (NYSE:DD) already reported this morning results that beat Street targets, posting 49 cents earnings per share on sales of $6.31 billion. Analysts expected 45 cents EPS on $6.13 billion in revenue.
• Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) should report earnings after the close today of 3 cents per share.
• Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:LMT) should report Q3 results at 11:00 a.m. today with expected income of $1.24 per-share.
• In London, BP PLC reported a 3.6% drop in third-quarter profit on due to production loss in Alaska, higher taxes in Britain and a slump in refining margins.
• In Stockholm, Volvo reported its third-quarter results with profit rising 34% on rising European and North American demand as well as higher profitability at its Mack Trucks unit.
• In focus today will be Kraft Foods Inc. (NYSE:KFT) that reported lower than expected sales.
• Tomorrow, Altria Group Inc. (NYSE:MO) should report Q3 results and is expected to post income of $1.41 per-share. Company might be in focus today.

The Fed meeting affected the bond market yesterday and will today. Bonds fell yesterday due with the yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note rising to 4.83% from 4.79% on Friday. This morning, Treasure prices are little changed.

Overseas, Asian markets closed mixed. European markets are also mixed at the moment.

Futures are negative in early morning trade (8:00 a.m.), pointing to a lower start for stocks.

Here's a look at some key Blogging Stocks:

Apple Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) closed at $81.46 yesterday. AAPL broke the $80 barrier yesterday.

General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) last traded at $35.50 in pre-market trading, down from yesterday's close of $35.53. Wal-Mart and GE's finance arm are joining the race for a share of China's growing consumer credit market by issuing their own credit card this week.

Time Warner Inc. (NYSE: TWX) last traded at $19.70 in pre-market trading, unchanged from yesterday's close of $19.70. The Departed moved to second place in weekend boxoffice, with The Prestige taking number 1.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) closed at $51.28 yesterday. Wal-Mart and GE's finance arm are joining the race for a share of China's growing consumer credit market by issuing their own credit card this week.