Morning News

• Futures are up this morning pointing to a slightly higher open.

• European markets are trading to the downside, and the Nikkei 225 gave some back.

• Israel reportedly preparing for a ground offensive in Lebanon.

• Tropical storm Beryl expected to clip Massachusets today.

• Google Inc. reported second quarter profit more than doubled, sales surged, and the company provided 44.7% of U.S. search results.

• Microsoft Corp. profit fell in the second quarter on legal charges, but sales did rise. The company also announced a share buy back program.

• Chris Dimarco and Tiger Woods at the top of the leader board in the second round of the British Open.

• Crude oil is up just a bit to $74.49 per barrel.

• Wholesale gasoline is $2.25 per gallon.

• Natural gas just below $6.00 per unit.

• Gold slipping back to $629.00 per ounce.

Budd Foxx