Stocks in the news: Apple, Boeing, Sun Microsystems, KeyCorp

Shares of Apple Inc. (AAPL) were higher in trading ahead of Wall Street's opening, following a near 9-point gain on Tuesday. The Cupertino, Calif.-based computer maker reported stellar earnings earlier in the week and announced several new computer models on Tuesday, along with a new type of computer mouse, which allows users to manipulate what they see on the screen by pinching, swiping and using other gestures, similar to the control mechanism made popular on the screen of Apple's iPhone.

Aircraft-maker Boeing Inc. (BA) reported Wednesday it lost $1.6 billion in the third quarter, as charges related to delays on its new 787 and revised 747 jets took a toll on profits. The Chicago-based company also slashed its profit forecast for the year. Boeing shares fell more than 2 percent in pre-market trading to $50.70 a share.