By Euan Rocha

The slump in the U.S. housing and automotive markets has adversely impacted DuPont and Celanese, as both companies manufacture a range of products that are used in the construction and automotive sectors.

Shares of DuPont fell 4.9 percent to $34.39 in trade before the morning bell, while those of Celanese were down 7.9 percent at $18.14.

DuPont posted third-quarter net income of $367 million, or 40 cents a share, down from $526 million, or 56 cents a share, a year earlier.

Excluding a charge for plant damage, lost inventory and other problems from the hurricanes, the company earned 56 cents a share, down from 59 cents a year earlier.

DuPont's revenue rose 9.3 percent to $7.3 billion, largely because of higher pricing in all regions.

Analysts on average had forecast earnings of 51 cents a share on revenue of $7.07 billion, according to Reuters Estimates.

DuPont lowered its full-year earnings outlook to $3.25 to $3.30 per share. It previously had forecast $3.45 to $3.55, and Wall Street had been expecting $3.49.

Its rival Celanese posted third-quarter net income of $158 million, or 97 cents a share, up from a year-ago profit of $128 million, or 76 cents a share.

Excluding items, quarterly earnings were 78 cents a share, up from 73 cents a share, a year earlier.

Quarterly revenue rose 15.9 percent to $1.82 billion.

Analysts on average had forecast earnings of 77 cents a share on revenue of $1.70 billion, according to Reuters Estimates.

Celanese said it expects the economic slowdown in North America and Europe to continue and also sees signs of slowing growth in Asia linked to the global credit crisis.

Excluding items, the company now expects full-year 2008 earnings of $3.40 to $3.55 a share, down from a prior forecast of $3.60 to $3.85 a share. Wall Street had been expecting earnings of $3.82 a share.

(Editing by Dave Zimmerman)