Morning News

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

• Consumer Price Index to be released today.

• Philly Fed Survey also due to be released today.

• Housing Starts will also be released today.

• Ford Motor Company downgraded at J.P. Morgan this morning.

• New York state files $250 million lawsuit against H & R Block Inc. claiming the company pushed over 500,000 customers into a money losing retirement plan.

• President Bush's approval rating reaching new lows down to 37% according to one poll.

• CBS to provide free live web streaming of men's college basketball tournament starting today. It is believed the company will make more in advertising than if they were to offer the games on a pay- per- view basis.

• Crude Oil down just a bit to $61.90 per barre.

• Wholesale Gasoline remains high at $1.79 per gallon.

• Natural Gas still holding just above $7.00 per unit.

• Gold is currently $554.00 per ounce.

Budd Foxx