U.S. Stocks Open Lower as Jobless Claims and Durable Goods Disappoint

U.S. stocks opened lower Thursday as jobless claims rose and durable goods orders fell. Accenture (ACN) profit and revenue were better than expected. Shares of German automaker BMW were under pressure on reports that its diesel engines too were recording emissions lower than reality. The German newspaper 'Auto Bild' said that BMW engines were emitting nitrogen oxide levels that were 11 times more than the current limit set by the European Union. Retailers could be in for a somewhat less merry holiday sales season. The consulting firm Deloitte predicts 3.5% to 4% sales increase. Deloitte says while gas prices are low, home prices are up and even though more people have jobs many Americans still feel they don't have much disposable income.