Good morning traders!

In Asia today, the Nikkei is closed for a public holiday, while the Hang
Seng reached the midpoint ahead 501.88 points at 28,128.8.

New York's main oil contract, light sweet crude for February delivery, was 6
cents lower at $93.25 per barrel from $93.31 in late US trades Friday.

Happy Christmas trading!

G.

TFN economic and business calendar to Friday Jan 4Thomson Financial Europe AM at a glance share guide: Stocks higher, oil mixed

TFN UK calendar and forecasts for today

Thomson Financial UK at a glance share guide - weekend

London shares outlook - Firmer on Christmas Eve after strong gains Friday in NY

The Monday Press Roundup

Thomson Financial UK at a glance share guide

The Chinese government is looking to block BHP Billiton's (BLT) bid for RIO, by either encouraging a Chinese consortium to bid or by blocking the takeover entirely via regulatory means.

Most of the Asian markets closed early. The FTSE is currently being called up 10 points at 6444 by CMC. Dow futures are currently up 8 at 13,458 after Friday's 205 point rise.

London shares open higher on Christmas Eve after strong gains Friday in NY

First Day of Dealings

London shares open higher on Christmas Eve after strong NY gains Friday UPDATE

Metals - Gold steady above 810 usd; thin trade to keep metal in tight range

London shares - midmorning features

Christmas Eve Market Roundup

Hope you all have a merry ol' time....

Alan