Dividend.com: Morning Playbook

It should be an interesting day as we have the Federal Reserve rate announcement at 2:15 p.m. EDT. I am not expecting a change in rates, but the tone and context of the Fed statement will likely impact the markets. Let's take a look at some of the big news out in the early going and what traders may want to be watching.

Story Stocks

Monsanto(MON Quote): Shares are looking slightly higher despite 14% drop in third-quarter profit.

SuperValu(SVU Quote): Shares are lower after disappointing guidance for the first quarter.

Oracle(ORCL Quote): Software giant is higher after positive earnings results.

Jabil Circuit(JBL Quote): Trading flat following third-quarter results.

PetSmart(PETM Quote): Big dividend increase and share buyback announcement lifting shares.

Darden Restaurants(DRI Quote): Shares are lower after restaurant chain guided down for 2010 outlook.

HB Fuller(FUL Quote): Shares are higher following second-quarter results.

Pepsico(PEP Quote): Shares are slightly higher following announcement of Japanese snack venture.

Upgrades to Watch

American Tower(AMT Quote): JPMorgan raises stock to an overweight. New $36 target price.

EMC(EMC Quote): Barclays ups rating to overweight. New $16 price target.

Freeport McMoRan(FCX Quote): FBR raises stock to an outperform. $58 target price.

KLA-Tencor(KLAC Quote): Pacific Crest upgrades stock to an outperform. $35 price target.

Black & Decker(BDK Quote): Credit Suisse upgrades stock to a neutral from underperform. $27 target price.

Discovery Communications(DISCA Quote): Merrill/Bank of America raises target to $28.

Kroger(KR Quote): UBS raises estimates. $32 price target.

Teva Pharmaceuticals(TEVA Quote): Goldman Sachs raises target to $54 from $52.

Downgrades to Watch

MEMC Electronic(WFR Quote): JPMorgan lowers rating to underweight from overweight.

Boeing(BA Quote): Oppenheimer cuts stock to an underperform. $40 price target.