Stocks poised for lower open...OPEC meets....Wal-Mart drug program expanding...

NEW YORK (AP) Stock futures suggest a lower open in store for the major averages on Wall Street. In the latest session, the Dow failed to remain above the 12-thousand level at the closing bell.

Even so, the index did notch a new record high.

SINGAPORE (AP) oil prices are slightly higher as traders await the outcome of an OPEC meeting later today. Light, sweet crude for November delivery was up 29 cents at 57 dollars, 94 cents a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) Shares of Apple Computer have risen in after-hours trading in reaction to word of its 27 increase in quarterly profits. The results topped analyst expectations, on strong sales of iPods and Macintosh computers.

UNDATED (AP) Wal-Mart is expanding its program offering four-dollar prescriptions for some generic drugs to 14 additional states including New York and Texas. This comes just two weeks since roll-out of the program in Florida.

NEW YORK (AP) The Wall Street Journal says N-B-C Universal plans to cut 750 (m) million dollars in operating expenses by the end of next year. The effort reportedly includes reduction in staff, cutting back on scripted shows and slashing the news budget.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-19-06 0530CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list