Stocks set for a lower start as economic concerns persist

U.S. stocks are poised to continue Wednesday's declines at the start of the session this morning as concerns over the economy persisted. On Wednesday afternoon, the Federal Reserve downgraded the outlook for all of 2009 despite seeing signs of stabilization in the first three months of the year.

Meanwhile, global stocks slumped as Standard & Poor's lowered the credit-rating outlook on Britain. Several economic indicators will be in focus this morning as well.

More here: Before the bell: Stocks poised to renew declines amidst economic concerns