Stocks are expected to open lower this morning. Tech stocks are looking a bit weaker after some negative analyst comments about online retailer Amazon.com Inc., but profit worries generally are weighing on stocks.

In Europe, stocks are mixed in early trading. UK cable firm NTL posted a record fourth-quarter loss of $12.8 billion and suggested that it may run out of money.

Nevertheless, the FTSE is up 14 points to 5,209. The CAC 40 is down three points to 4,625. The DAX is down 41 points to 5,349.

Overnight in Asia, stocks improved a bit. The Nikkei closed up 116 points to11,324. The Hang Seng packed on 201 points to 10,988.

In business news, Cygnal Technologies Corporation says its earnings for 2001 jumped 66% to $2.1 million.

Transat A.T. Inc. recorded a net loss of $17.5 million for its latest quarter.

Also, Centrinity Inc. announced that Myles McGovern is stepping down from the position of president and CEO. Its board will immediately commence a search for a new CEO by October 1. In the meantime, a committee will run the firm.