Morning News

Futures are pretty flat this morning. At this point looks like we could see a slightly higher open.

European markets are trading slightly higher today.

In Tokyo the Nikkei 225 did see another up day.

January retail sales numbers will be out today.

December business inventories will also be released this morning.

The Energy Dept will release oil and gas inventories at 10:30 this morning.

Ben Bernanke set to begin two days of testimony today.

Reports are out that National, Dollar, Alamo, and Thrifty car rentals are talking merger.

DaimlerChrysler reportedly set to announce major changes in the company. Expectations look for the company to cut roughly 10,000 jobs.

International Business Machines reportedly has developed a new way to use memory technology.

Coca Cola Company will release earnings today.

Major snow storm taking hold of the northeast today. Travel delays are expected for the next couple of days.

Crude oil is $58.68 per barrel.

Wholesale gasoline is $1.59 per gallon.

Natural gas is $7.42 per unit.

Gold is now $673.00 per ounce.

Budd Foxx