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10 Year Bond

The Dow Jones recovered from afternoon weakness to finish up 3 to record sixth consecutive days of gains. The Nasdaq closed at session highs, up 19 points.

McDonalds, Tyson & other meat producers may be hit as the first U.S. case of the mad cow disease has been found, causing overseas buyers to ban American hamburgers and steaks

U.S. Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says the threat of possible year- end terror attacks against the United States is serious, while other parts of the world are also on alert on Christmas Eve.

Parmalat is poised to file for bankruptcy protection in an effort to survive a seven billion-euro hole in its accounts

No major UK news today: UK stock market closes at 12:30 and most of the European markets are closed all day.

Merry Christmas to all on Money AM

Markets Close at 1230

13.30 Nov Durable Goods Orders 0.8% exp. 13.30 Initial Jobless Claims (w/e 20/12) 355k 15.00 Nov New Home Sales 1120k exp.

Markets Close at 1800 GMT

Germany & Spain closed

Ex Dividend: Albermarle & Bond (1.75), BT Group (3.2), Close Brothers (3), Enterprise Inns (11.4), Expro International (3.8), Greene King (9.5), PHS Group (0.22), RPC Group (2.15)

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