Morning News

• Futures are pointing to a lower open this morning.

• Energy Dept. to release weekly oil inventories this morning at 10:30.

• Weekly mortgage applications will be released today.

• Ford Motor Company reportedly may not meet its goal of returning to profit in North America by 2008.

• Japan to lift ban on U.S. beef imports.

• Anheuser Busch reportedly may enter the liquor industry.

• North Korea wanting direct talks with the U.S. over its plan to test long range missile.

• The Miami Heat won the NBA finals last night.

• Crude oil is $69.24 per barrel.

• Wholesale gasoline is $2.00 per gallon.

• Natural gas $6.57 per unit.

• Gold is currently $578.00 per ounce.

Budd Foxx