Morning News

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

• Weekly chain store sales, and wholesale inventory data to be released today.

• Yesterday the DOW closed above 11,000 for the first time in over 4 1/2 years.

• The Home Depo makes offer to buy Hughes Supply for nearly $3.5 billion.

• Apple's Chief Executive Steve Jobs expected to unveil companies newest products today at the MacWorld Conference and Expo.

• After the close yesterday Alcoa Inc. reported weak fourth quarter profits.

• Crude Oil is currently $63.91 per barrel.

• Wholesale Gasoline is $1.77 per gallon.

• Natural Gas $9.38 per unit.

• Gold is currently $546.80 per ounce.

Budd Foxx