Markets start lower
US markets started off slightly lower Monday, continuing a five-week downturn.
``The market is geared for a negative start amid weak global cues. Asian stocks declined, with the regional gauge heading for its lowest close in two weeks, after Fitch Ratings joined Moody`s Investors Service in warning that Europe faces lower credit ratings. US stocks fell hard Monday as doubts about a recent Europe accord and a lowered outlook by Intel Corp. spurred a broad retreat after two weeks of gains,`` said SMC Global Research.