STOCKS/ECONOMY
-Stock futures are higher after Monday's 359-point gain for the Dow, smaller 0.2 percent advance for the S&P 500, and a 0.4 percent loss for the Nasdaq. Investors are responding positively to a cooler than expected inflation report just released this morning.
-That inflation report was the Producer Price Index which measures wholesale inflation. It came in showing a 0.2 percent increase in December, when a 0.3 percent increase was expected.
-The yield on the 10-year Treasury bond is down slightly to 4.77 percent.
-Gold is at the $2,675 per ounce level. Bitcoin is up to the $96,500 level.
-Asian markets closed with a wild mix in results today. The Hang Seng rallied 1.8 percent higher, while the Nikkei sold off by an identical 1.8 percent. The Shenzhen had a massive 3.8 percent rally.
OIL/ENERGY
-U.S. crude prices are down but still at the $78 a barrel level.
-Gasoline prices are up to $3.07 a gallon, national average.
TIKTOK SALE
-The Chinese government is reportedly considering selling TikTok to Elon Musk. TikTok is scheduled to be banned in the U.S. on January 19.
FLYING LOW
-Southwest Airlines (LUV) is cutting costs by freezing its corporate office hiring and suspending summer internships. Its shares are up 1 percent in the premarket.
HOME SALE SURGE
-KB Home (KBH) reported better than expected quarterly profits and revenues. Its shares are up 13 percent in the premarket.
DEALS/NO DEALS
-H&E Equipment Services (HEES) is buying privately held rental equipment company United in deal that will value the combined company at $4.8 billion. H&E shares are soaring 106 percent higher in the premarket.
-Teladoc Health (TDOC) says its partnered with Amazon (AMZN) that will make its diabetes, hypertension and weight-management programs available on Amazon. Teladoc shares are up 5 percent in the premarket. Amazon shares are up 1 percent.
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