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- There are no major economic reports due today, but investors have some corporate financial results issued after markets closed yesterday to digest. The Dow lost 47 points to close at 13,881, Thursday, while the S&P fell more than nine points to 1,502, and the Nasdaq lost 33 to 3,131. Wall Street is looking for gains at this morning's opening.
- International stocks mostly rebounded today from two days of doldrums sparked by fears the Federal Reserve would withdraw monetary stimulus. European markets were helped by a better-than-expected German business confidence survey. Benchmark crude oil rose above $93 a barrel. The dollar gained against the yen and slipped against the euro.
- A number of big companies reported financial results after markets closed yesterday. Insurance giant AIG posted a $4 billion loss in the fourth quarter thanks in part to Superstorm Sandy. Food maker H.J. Heinz says its fiscal third quarter net income fell 5 percent. Nordstrom saw a 20 percent increase in net income in the fourth quarter. And Hewlett-Packard reported a 16 percent drop in earnings, though that was better than forecasts.
- The European Union is optimistic about the eurozone economy even as it expects the current recession to last longer than originally thought. The EU predicts today that the economy of the 17 countries that use the euro will be growing solidly by the end of this year.
- Gov. Brian Sandoval has signed legislation legalizing online gambling in Nevada, capping a dizzying day at the Legislature as lawmakers passed the bill through the Assembly and Senate as an emergency measure. Nevada wanted to beat New Jersey, its East Coast casino rival, to the online gambling punch. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie previously vetoed an online wagering bill but has indicated he may sign an amended version next week.
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