Morning News

• Futures are up this morning pointing to a higher open.

• Federal Open Market Committee to release minutes from December meeting today at 2pm.

• Wal-Mart saying December sales will only meet low end of expectations.

• Independence Air to end operations on thursday after failing to attract a buyer.

• SouthWest Airlines continues to expand today the airline begins flying out of Denver.

• Blue Coat Systems to pay $60.8 million for Permeo Technologies.

• Wyeth has agreed to develop and market anti-body drugs from Trubion Pharmaceuticals. The deal worth nearly $800 million.

• Prudential Equity Group starts coverage of CBS at overweight with a price target of $30.00

• Crude Oil is up to $61.34 per barrel.

• Wholesale Gasoline is currently $1.72 per gallon.

• Natural Gas is $10.76 per unit.

• Gold is $523.00 per ounce.

Budd Foxx