Stocks are slightly lower as investors grow more cautious about the strength of an economic recovery

The market is extending its losses after weakening Tuesday following a disappointing reading on consumer confidence. A new report showing durable goods orders rose in line with expectations in September had little effect on trading.

A disappointing earnings or economic report can give investors a reason to cash in some gains, but overall most signs point toward additional strengthening of the economy and market, Williams added.

The Commerce Department said orders to factories for items that are expected to last at least three years, like autos, computers and aircraft, rose 1 percent in September, matching economists’ expectations.

The biggest jump in demand for machinery in 18 months helped offset weakness in commercial aircraft and autos. It was the second increase in three months, a sign the manufacturing industry is likely at the beginning of a rebound.

In early trading, the Dow Jones industrial average fell 6.27, or 0.1 percent, to 9,875.90. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index declined 2.43, or 0.2 percent, to 1,060.98, while the Nasdaq composite index fell 8.77, or 0.4 percent, to 2,107.32.

Yesterday’s Top Performing Small Cap Stock:

Vivakor, Inc. (OTC BB: VIVK) was a eXpressIR top performer yesterday closing up over 40% on trading volume of 85,310 shares.

Vivakor™ is a biomedical/biotechnology company with transdisciplinary research that develops and acquires products in the fields of molecular medicine, electro-optics, biological handling and natural and formulary compounds that extend or improve life.

Today’s eXpressIR Hot Stock to Watch:

GWS Technologies, Inc. (OTC BB: GWSC)

GWS Technologies, Inc., an alternative energy company developing and marketing solar and wind-powered renewable energy products and solutions, sees substantial benefits for wind and solar energy projects in yesterday’s White House announcement that $3.4 billion will be allocated to modernize the nation’s electrical power system to more easily use renewable resources. The money will be released in the form of grants to applicants and must be matched dollar for dollar by private funding. The grants are a result of an allocation of funds to smart grid projects in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“One of the biggest obstacles to developing more wind and solar power on a utility-size scale has been the lack of transmission lines tied to an electrical grid that’s capable of delivering clean electricity from the best solar and wind sites to the point of use,” said GWS President Richard Reincke. Mr. Reincke added that “Building a ‘smart grid’ will allow utilities to integrate renewable energy sources from distant locations with their existing generation sources and synchronize consumers’ energy use to coincide with maximum production times for wind and solar power.”

GWS Technologies is currently evaluating sites for wind and solar farms in Arizona, Texas, and Montana.