1.   Still, tech stocks, which have mostly suffered the weakest earnings in the slowing economy, trended lower on Tuesday.

2.   Stocks had trended lower over the last two sessions while the market awaited the outcome of the election.

3.   Stocks, especially high-techs, have trended lower since Labor Day when the first spate of companies warned that fourth-quarter earnings would be disappointing.

4.   Stocks had trended lower over the last two sessions while the market patiently awaited the outcome of the election.

5.   The French franc also trended lower following the latest French polls showing prime minister Edouard Balladur losing to Paris mayor Jacques Chirac in the spring presidential election.