NEW YORK (AFX) - Share prices are expected to open lower in a continuation of the recent downbeat sentiment that has dominated the market over the past week, as international tensions have intensified and concerns about terror have mounted in New York, dealers said. At 8.47 am the DJIA June futures contract was down 23.00, the S&P 500 June futures contract down 2.60, and the Nasdaq 100 June futures contract down 14.00, indicating losses in the early minutes of trade. Dealers said in recent sessions investors have found few reasons to buy, and predicted the negative market mood will persist unless there is a marked improvement in relations between Pakistan and India, or between Israel and Palestine. Recent tightening of security in New York has also depressed the market, and caused investors to disregard economic and market fundamentals. Nortel is likely to post losses after cutting its second-quarter revenues guidance and announced plans to streamline its optical long-haul unit, shedding 3,500 jobs. American Depository Receipts of Vivendi are likely to be active ahead of the Vivendi board meeting here midmorning.