Morning News

Futures are pointing to a much lower open this morning.

European markets are trading lower so far today.

In Tokyo the Nikkei 225 did end higher.

Retail sales figures for the month of August will be released at 8:30 this morning.

Import and export prices for August will also be released at 8:30 this morning.

August industrial production and capacity utilization will be released at 9:15 this morning.

Business inventories for the month of July due out just after the open.

University of Michigan's consumer sentiment poll for the month of September will be out at 10:00 this morning.

Crude oil is $79.55 per barrel.

Wholesale gasoline is $2.03 per gallon.

Natural gas remains just above $6.00 per unit.

Gold is $715.00 per ounce.

President Bush in last night's speach stating that he will bring back 5,700 troops by Christmas, and another 21,500 by July. He remains firm on his stance in Iraq saying we will be there as long as we are needed.

U.K. lender Northern Rock needing emergy funding from the Bank of England.

Budd Foxx