US pre-open: Stocks seen up despite government shutdown worries; Senate vote key

US futures pointed to firmer open on Wall Street on Friday following a downbeat close the day before, as investors put aside their concerns about a possible government shutdown ahead of a key Senate vote. At 1215 GMT, Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 futures were up 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively, while Nasdaq futures were 0.5% higher.

London midday: Stocks gain as pound drops on retail sales; Carpetright burns sector

London stocks were boosted by midday on Friday by a fall in the pound, which slipped following the release of disappointing retail data that added to the sector's woes alongside a profit warning from Carpetright. The FTSE 100 was up 0.3% to 7,723.66 as the pound fell 0.2% against the dollar to 1.3873 and 0.3% versus the euro to 1.1315.

Northrop Grumman (NOC) vs. AeroVironment (AVAV) Critical Analysis

Northrop Grumman and AeroVironment are both industrials companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, risk, valuation, profitability, institutional ownership, dividends and analyst recommendations. Northrop Grumman currently has a consensus target price of $302.54, suggesting a potential downside of 4.71%.

The S&P 500 Has Gained Only 3.4% Per Year Since 2000

Sunday marked my 50th wedding anniversary, so I tend to notice events that happen on January 14. It was on that date in the year 2000 that the Dow Jones Industrials peaked at 11,722.98, a number that would not be eclipsed for nearly seven years. That Friday, January 14, 2000 was a giddy time for big stocks on Wall Street, as Glaxo-Wellcome offered to acquire SmithKlineBeecham for $75.7 billion in stock.

U.S. federal infrastructure spending expected to rise, but expect road bumps

Volatility awaits shares of U.S. construction, engineering, building materials and other companies tied to infrastructure spending, but steel-nerved investors could be poised for gains if they weather a few bumps. The stocks are set to be in focus in the coming weeks as President Donald Trump seeks legislation geared at overhauling the country's aging roads, bridges and other infrastructure, fresh off passage of a tax reform bill by his Republican party.

Global stocks stabilize after China-led wobble

Asian stock markets were lower on Thursday after Wall Street posted i... . Currency traders work at the foreign exchange dealing room of the KEB Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018.

Market Extra: Why U.S. inflation data will be a litmus test for bond buyers

As expectations for inflation heat up, the December consumer-price index set for release on Friday will command the attention of investors looking to gauge whether the bond market's expectations for higher price pressures will pan out, or fizzle in its usual style. For much of 2017, the 2% inflation goal has remained elusive despite the tightest labor market in decades, leading the Federal Reserve and Chairwoman Janet Yellen to describe its absence last year as a puzzle.

TREASURIES-U.S. yields start higher in 2018 in step with Europe

U.S. Treasury yields rose on Tuesday in line with European government yields after comments from a European Central Bank official who said the central bank's massive bond purchase program might not continue later this year. Benoit Coeure, the ECB board member who oversees its market operations, told Caixin Global, a Chinese financial magazine that he sees "a reasonable chance" the 2.55 trillion euros stimulus program will not be extended again when it expires in September.

Trump’s stock market cheerleading could be a risky bet

President Donald Trump seems determined to ignore the small print disclaimer that brokers use to warn investors eying a bumper return - stocks can go down as well as up. Trump has made the rollicking year on Wall Street a centerpiece of his political message, repeatedly taking credit for the bull run, as if he personally steered the Dow Jones industrial average through a year of smashed record highs.

London open: Stocks edge up after record highs on Wall St but Christmas lull setting in

London stocks rose in early trade on Tuesday following record highs on Wall Street on the back of optimism over the tax reform bill, although gains were muted as the Christmas lull began to set in. On Monday, the Nasdaq, Dow Jones and S&P 500 all notched record highs again as investors grew increasingly hopeful that the US tax reform bill will be passed in the coming days.

FOREX-Dollar steady after U.S. tax bill moves closer to ratification

The dollar held modest gains against its peers on Monday, having received a lift after U.S. tax reform efforts moved another step closer to ratification over the weekend. The U.S. currency had edged higher after Republicans on the House-Senate negotiating committee on Friday put the finishing touches on a sweeping tax overhaul that involves large corporate tax cuts.