Reversal of Fortune for Stocks

Early research calls had Lehman Brothers downgrading shares of Ford(F Quote), and First Albany upgraded shares of Netegrity(NETE Quote). Shares of Netegrity rose 52 cents, or 5.6%, to $9.89, while shares of Ford were down 74 cents, or 4.5%, at $14.84.

Looking ahead, the earnings calendar is relatively empty Friday. ChevronTexaco (CVX Quote), U.S. Steel (X Quote) and Wendy's (WEN Quote) all are due to report quarterly earnings before the opening bell.

The first estimate of growth in the fourth quarter will be released. Economists expect GDP to expand at a 5% annualized rate after an 8.2% surge in the third quarter. In addition, the University of Michigan will release its revised reading on January consumer sentiment at 9:45 a.m. EST and the Chicago purchasing managers index for January is due out at 10 a.m. EST.