Wake Up Call - Jan 16

The Dow, S&P and NASDAQ indices have opened slightly higher ahead of key corporate earnings reports on tap for this week.

Asia:
Hang Seng Index -0.2%; Shanghai/Shenzhen 300 +2.91%; NIKKEI 225 -0.04%; BSE SENSEX 30 -0.11%; Ho Chi Minh +3.85%

U.K. & Europe:
DJ STOXX 50 Index -0.35%; FTSE 100 -0.25%; CAC 40 -0.44%; DAX -0.27%; Russian RTS Index +0.1%

Americas: Venezuela Stock Market Index -0.79%


KEY HEADLINE NEWS

• As we predicted last week, and again in this week's issue of "The Greek's Week Ahead," OPEC is showing patience in regards to further production cuts.
• The New York Federal Reserve's Empire State Manufacturing Index was released this morning and measured below consensus expectations, indicating a weaker regional economic outlook.
• The National Retail Federation released its Retail Sales Outlook Report, which forecasts retail sales excluding autos, gasoline and restaurants to increase 4.8% in 2007, compared to 6.3% in 2006. Later this week, two additional important readings on consumer health will provide more clarity into the outlook for 2007.
• Venezuelan markets could shake loose some more capital today, after recent comments from government representatives indicating the potential for less than fair deal terms in its nationalization plans.

We urge you to read our section within the sidebar, entitled "Headline News", for further important information for traders and investors.

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