U.S. stocks are up this morning after China cut benchmark interest rates. The S&P 500 is up 0.79% and the Dow is up 0.87%.
Asian markets finished mixed Wednesday as Hong Kong stocks posted their fourth straight week of gains. The Nikkei was up 2.11%, while the Shanghai Composite rose 1.30%.
In Europe, stocks are higher today after the European Central Bank indicated the possibility of future stimulus. The FTSE is up 1.35%, while the DAX is up 2.74%.
Energy futures are mixed this morning. The price for West Texas Intermediate crude oil is up $0.29 to $45.67 per barrel, while natural gas is down $0.03 to $2.55. Metals prices are rising this morning. Gold is up $12.80 to $1,178.90 per ounce and platinum is up $3.10 to $1016.00 an ounce. The Dollar is up versus the Euro and the Yen.
Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN), Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), and Chesapeake Energy Corporation (CHK) are early risers, while Pandora Media, Inc. (P), Skechers U.S.A., Inc. (SKX) and Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS) are down. [InvestorsKeyhole, various news and data sources]
