Good morning,Thanks hll,pj and Aksier.A worse-than-expected US...

Good morning,

Thanks hll,pj and Aksier.

A worse-than-expected US December jobs report last week couldn't derail the economic optimism that's been fueling stock gains for months. But the weeks ahead could prove challenging, as the quarterly reporting period gets underway.

Dow components Alcoa, Intel and JPMorgan Chase all report quarterly results next week. On the economic front, reports are due on retail sales, the trade gap, consumer sentiment and manufacturing.

Analyst said "Most companies have cut costs but they haven't grown revenue yet. The question is whether corporate profits can rise in a time when American consumers can't step up to the plate."

In London, the FTSE 100 index of leading shares edged up 7.52 points, or 0.14 per cent, to 5,534.24 points.

FRANKFURT - The German DAX put on 18.25 points, or 0.30 per cent, to 6,037.61.

PARIS - The CAC 40 added 20.34 points, or 0.51 per cent, to 4,045.14.

Crude prices edged higher to end the week, despite huge supplies and tens of thousands of lost jobs in the US last month.

Benchmark crude rose nine US cents to settle at $82.75 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

The Australian share market is expected to open slightly higher on Monday, after United States markets made modest gains.

GOLD up $5.50c to US$1139.20 an ounce
SILVER up 12c to US$18.46 an ounce
COPPER down 3c at US$3.40 a pound

Today's Financial Calendar
January 11 2010

Japan markets closed
China producer price index (PPI), Dec
China consumer price index (CPI), Dec
China industrial production, Dec
China retail sales, Dec
China fixed asset investment, Dec
US Treasury 10-year TIPS auction
(ABQ) - Ex div. 0.5c
(EGL) - Ex div. 0.2c
(JHX) - EGM (Aus)
(NHH) - Ex div. 4.0c
(TWR) - Ex div. 9.0c

http://www.marketwatch.com/
http://www.thebull.com.au/
http://www.news.com.au/business/