Hello traders!

US stocks traded mixed in the final half-hour of trading, with the conflict in the Middle East a persistent concern, even as investors welcomed strong Exxon Mobil earnings and better than expected durable-goods data.

The Dow rose 5 points to 11,107, off a morning high of 11,187.76, its best level in more than two weeks. The Nasdaq Composite was down 14 points to 2,055 and the S&P500 trailed by 5 points at 1,263.

See you in the morning with the latest....

G.

Good morning traders!

In Asia today, the Hang Seng closed the morning up 113.14 points at 17,029.91, while the Nikkei was recently at 15,330.86, up 151.08 points.

Light sweet crude for September delivery rose 60 cents to settle at $74.54 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Early broker notes:

LONDON CLUBS INTERNATIONAL INITIATED 'NEUTRAL' AT HSBC; PRICE TARGET 107P
MITCHELLS & BUTLERS UPGRADED TO 'BUY' VS 'NEUTRAL' AT GOLDMAN SACHS

Happy Friday!

G.

Morning all. Hoping that FTSE will follow the Hang Seng & Nikkei today.

Morning all,

Last night I thought the FTSE would drop today, but then I thought, it would be "contrary" and go up instead. So this morning I put a small Long Ftse and so far its paid off. Question is will it run - or should I just "scalp it"

Midday Market Roundup

Hello,

does any one know if Ruth is still trading here?

Bola

Bola,you will find Ruth over in the traders room and yes she is still trading.

Rick...

Hi Bola,

Yes Ruth is still here. You will find her over in the traders room

Thanks guys.

Bola, will send you an email,
Ruth

Bola Message passed on to Ruth for you,please delete your email address.....

thanks mega

Thanks Mega, much appreciated,

End-of-day Market Roundup