Stocks ease at Friday open

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- U.S. stocks slipped at the start of trading Friday as investors continued to fret about the nation's economy.

The Dow Jones industrial average lost 0.2%. The Nasdaq composite index eased 0.5%. The Standard & Poor's 500 index pulled back 0.3%.

In the news at Friday's open:

Industrial production: Output rose 0.1% in January from the previous month, meeting the growth expectations of economists surveyed by Briefing.com

Greenspan: The former Federal Reserve chairman told an energy conference in Houston that the U.S. economy is "clearly on the edge" of a recession and the chance a downturn will occur is 50% or better.

Best Buy: The electronics retailer says it will earn less than expected in fiscal 2008 due to weak January sales and a difficult retail environment. Stock (BBY, Fortune 500)

Wilsons The Leather Experts: The specialty retailer said it will close up to 160 stores and cut 1,002 jobs as part of a cost-cutting move. Stock (WLSN)

Abercrombie and Fitch: The clothing retailer said Friday that its fourth-quarter earnings rose 9% on increased sales from its expanding Hollister Co. chain that caters to teens and its abercrombie stores for children. Stock (ANF)