Intel shares off 3 pct after margin warning

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Intel Corp (INTC.O) shares fell 3 percent before the bell on Tuesday after the microchip maker lowered its profit margin forecast.

The stock fell 61 cents to $19.40 ahead of the start of Nasdaq's regular session. It closed Monday at $20.01, up 4 cents on the day.

Intel shares have suffered in the early going in 2008 after gaining more than 31 percent in 2007, when it notched the fourth-best performance in the Dow Jones industrial average .DJI. Year to date, Intel is down nearly 25 percent and is the poorest performer in the Dow, which has fallen 7.6 percent so far this year.

(Editing by Theodore d'Afflisio)