Morning News

• Futures are down this morning pointing to a lower open.

• Northern India and Pakistan expect the number of dead to rise above 40,000 after this weekends earth quake. With millions of people left homeless disease seems to be the real concern now as clean up begins.
  

• Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) and Yahoo Inc. (YHOO) to combine their Instant Messaging programs.

• Northwest Airlines (NWAC) and it's striking mechanics union to meet on Thursday.

• Palm One (PALM) to release two new hand held products today.

• Apple Computer (AAPL) also to release new product this afternoon. Speculation is we will see a iPOD with video.

• KB Homes and Martha Stewart teaming up, the home builder will offer a line of houses using her name.

• Crude Oil up slightly currently $63.87 per barrel.

• Wholesale Gasoline is $1.83 per gallon.

• Natural Gas is up a bit currently $13.63 per unit.

• Gold continues to climb currently $481.50 per ounce.

Budd Foxx