U.S. markets are lower this morning as the dollar continues to rise against the Euro. The S&P 500 is down 0.46% and the Dow is down 0.39%. Consumer Confidence data for March will be released at 10:00 a.m. today.
Asian stocks finished Tuesday mixed as optimism in Chinese markets continued. The Hang Seng rose 0.09% while the Nikkei was down 1.05%.
In Europe markets are declining today after Eurozone data showed unemployment is higher than expected. The FTSE is down 1.13% while the DAX is down 0.71%.
Energy futures are mixed today. The price for West Texas Intermediate crude oil is down $1.19 to $47.49 per barrel, while natural gas is up $0.02. Metals prices are mixed this morning. Gold is down $0.80 and platinum is up $8.30. The Dollar is up versus the Euro and down against the Yen.
Charter Communications, Inc. (CHTR), Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. (MRH) and Johnson Controls Inc. (JCI) are early risers, while Aluminum Corporation Of China Limited (ACH), Teck Resources Limited (TCK) and Lorillard, Inc.(LO) are down.
