Morning News

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

• Weekly jobless claims to be released this morning.

• June leading indicators on tap for today as well.

• July Philly Fed survey will also be released today.

• Natural gas inventories will be released at 10:30 this morning.

• European markets are up, and Asian markets had a great day.

• Isreal showing no signs of backing off bombings in Lebanon.

• Ben Bernanke comments have investors thinking the Fed is near the end or will halt on interest rate hikes.

• President Bush stands by his veto threat on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.

• Apple Computer shares on the rise after releasing 2nd quarter results. Motorola also reported a great quarter after the bell last night.

• Crude oil is just under $73.00 per barrel.

• Wholesale gasoline has pulled back to $2.24 per gallon.

• Natural gas just under $6.00 per unit.

• Gold is currently $643.00 per ounce.

Budd Foxx