Before the Bell: Stocks headed for a lower opening

U.S. stock markets are headed for a lower opening as investors await data on jobless claims and housing starts in December. Investors are also awaiting the expected confirmation of Timothy Geithner as Treasury Secretary, despite his admission that he failed to pay some taxes.

The housing market is expected to show little signs of improvement. Bloomberg News says "U.S. builders probably broke ground in December on the fewest houses since record-keeping began as sales and credit dried up, economists said before a government report today. "

Many economists had predicted that the housing market would bottom out this year. Others, such as the pessimistic Nouriel Roubini of NYU, are arguing that the economy is in much worse shape. He expects losses from U.S. financial institutions will hit $3.6 billion.

Shares of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) may jump after the maker of the iPod and iPhone reported better-than-expected quarterly results yesterday. Investors had been spooked by concerns about Chief Executive Steve Jobs' health and weakening consumer spending. The enthusiasm for the company may be tempered by an SEC investigation into how the company disclosed information about Jobs' health.

Conversely, eBay Inc. (NASDAQ:EBAY) posted disappointing results. Growth in the company's core auction business continues to slow as consumers show a preference for purchasing fixed-price items -- if they are in a mood to buy at all. The online auction giant, which already is in Wall Street's dog house, further angered investors by giving disappointing earnings guidance. Pressure may build on the company to boost its share price.