Good morning traders!

In Asia today, the Nikkei was up 213.43 points at 8,038.94, while the Hang Seng
ended the morning session up 322.71 points higher at 13,099.6.

Crude oil prices rose 65 cents to $40.93 per barrel.

Happy trading!


G.

Morning all. Market reports:

Telegraph
The Times
The Times (Need to know)
FT
The Guardian
The Independent
This is Money

Banks are gearing up for a legal battle ahead of tomorrow's interest rate decision, which could mean they owe borrowers money.
Banks gear up for legal battle as era of the free mortgage approaches

The European Union and Canada have warned that the "Buy America" clause in President Barack Obama's $900bn (626bn) fiscal stimulus package is in danger of fostering unwanted and damaging US protectionism.
Europe and Canada warn US over 'Buy America' clause

The Treasury remains open to the idea of establishing a "bad bank" to warehouse the toxic debts held by the UK banking system. Speaking to the Treasury Select Committee, the Chancellor, Alistair Darling said the Government could use such an institution to cleanse the commercial banks' balance sheets and offer them a fresh start to their lending operations, in a bid to boost the economy.
'Bad bank' still an option says Darling

Britain's economy will shrink by 2.7 per cent this year and stage only a "feeble" recovery in 2010, one of the country's most respected economic forecasters warned yesterday.
Economists warn of 'feeble' UK recovery

The worlds biggest miner said profits fell by 57% during the last six months of 2008 as commodity prices collapsed.
Profits halve at BHP Billiton

The IMF on Tuesday virtually halved its 2009 growth forecast for Asia, slashing its estimate to 2.7% from 4.9% just two months ago.
Asian growth outlook slashed

Estate agents in China are using desperate measures to try to shift property in big cities hit worst by the slump.
Buy the flat and we'll throw in the job to pay for it

NIKKEI 225	AUSTRALIA ASX200	SHANGHAI	HANG SENG

KOSPI	VIX	GOLD	NYMEX CRUDE

Midday Market Overview

Metal prices
slightly higher

FTSE
how it has been performing for the last 3 month

End-of-day Market Overview