Morning News

• Futures are pointing to a lower open this morning.

• August Producer Price Index will be released at 8:30 this morning.

• August building permit figures will also be released at 8:30 this morning.

• Housing starts for August will also be released this morning.

• European markets are trading lower today. In Tokyo the Nikkei 225 ended slightly higher on the day.

• Toshiba Corp. to recall 340,000 battery packs made by Sony due to circuit problems in laptops.

• Microsoft Corp. to launch online video service "Soapbox on MSN Video"

• Motorola to buy Symbol Technologies for $15.00 per share.

• Judge rules against ImClone Systems Inc. in patent case for cancer drug Erbitux.

• Gasoline prices have dropped 12 cents over the past week lowest level in 6 months.

• President Bush to speak before the United Nations today.

• Crude oil remains just below $64.00 per barrel.

• Wholesale gasoline is $1.58 per gallon.

• Natural gas is just above $5.00 per unit.

• Gold is $588.00 per ounce.

Budd Foxx