Morning News

• Futures are pointing to a flat to slightly lower open today.

• U.S. Jobs data to be released at 8:30 this morning. Expectations looking for job growth of 187,000 in March, a 0.3% gain in hourly wages , and unemployment holding at 4.8%

• Starbucks same store sales up 10% in March. Forcast called for a 7.6% increase.

• Research In Motion released earnings after the bell yesterday. Looks like first quarter earnings outlook misses expectations.

• Bea Systems in talks to sell it's 20% stake it holds in Airbus.

• Ford Motor Companies Jim Padilla to retire after 40 years with the company.

• Crude oil backing off just a bit to $67.16 per barrel.

• Wholesale gasoline remains high at $1.96 per gallon.

• Natural gas down to $6.82 per unit.

• Gold holding right at $600.00 per ounce.

Budd Foxx