1.   An improving economic outlook could boost corporate earnings expectations and threaten to lure investors to equities.

2.   And earlier this month Sprint lowered its earnings expectations for the second quarter and the full year.

3.   Analysts have been lowering their earnings expectations because of the expenses Seagram has taken to get out of its money losing film production agreement with former executive Sid Sheinberg.

4.   Analysts have also reduced their earnings expectations for base metals producer WMC Ltd. amid a decline in the price of copper, nickel and aluminium.

5.   And companies that actually meet lowered earnings expectations are cheered.

6.   And the charade of companies exceeding reduced earnings expectations is likely to wear thin on investors wanting to see real profit growth.

7.   And some investors are worried earnings expectations for technology companies may be too high.

8.   As a result, Goldman has sharply reduced his earnings expectations.

9.   At that time, the company will also announce earnings expectations for the fourth quarter and full year.

10.   At the same time, analysts have been lowering earnings expectations for retailers Esprit Asia Holdings Ltd., Theme International Holdings Ltd., and Bossini International Holdings Ltd.