TFN economic and business calendarThomson Financial Europe AM at a glance share guide: Stocks, oil fall

Good morning traders!

In Asia today, the Nikkei closed up 77.84 points at 13,861.29, while the Hang
Seng ended the morning down 306.96 points at 24,808.02.

New York's main oil contract, light sweet crude for delivery in February, slid 51
cents to $89.62 a barrel.

Happy Friday!

G.

TFN UK calendar and forecasts for today

Tokyo shares close higher as investors pin hopes on US stimulus plan

London shares outlook - lower, Dow plunges as evidence of recession gathers pace

The Friday Press Roundup

Thomson Financial UK at a glance share guide

BROKERWATCH Aegis, Havas initiated both as 'hold' at ING in media review

Carphone Warehouse (CPW) say Q3 revenues are up 14% and the FY outlook is unchanged and positive, despite the more uncertain consumer environment. Cantor are calling it lower. Rio Tinto (RIO) plan to develop a mine that mines itself. HSBC (HSBA) wants a listing in China. Gordon Brown has travelled to China with Northern Rock (NRK) bidder Richard Branson - he wants their Sovereign Wealth Fund investments...

It's been a Night of the Long Knives over at SCi Entertainment Group (SEG), where the CEO, Managing Director and Studios Director have all 'stepped down', without the customary thanks from the Chairman for their service. They are still looking for funding. Marchpole Holdings (MPH) have settled their legal dispute out of court. Cineworld (CINE) say they've had a solid year and a good start to 2008. Regal Petroleum (RPT) have failed to find further hydrocarbons. Major Northern Rock shareholder RAB Capital (RAB) say trading in Q3 and Q4 was difficult but claim their performance was 'commendable'. Distressed lender Paragon (PAG) say they are continuing to trade profitably in line with expectations, but will cease most new lending on 28 February and will continue to seek funding after the rights issue. EMI is supposed to be bidding for Chrysalis (CHS).

Kazakhmys (KAZ) has been upgraded to overweight from neutral with a reduced 1500 target by HSBC.

The FTSE is currently being called down 17 at 5,885 by CMC. Dow futures are currently being called up 128 at 12,287 after yesterday's 307 point fall. The Hang Seng has had a another 1,000 point turnaround. Tom Hougaard saw signs of capitulation yesterday and thinks it's time to go long - sees 100 points on the S&P and 500-600 on the Dow. But 2008 will be difficult.

Tokyo shares close higher as investors pin hopes on US stimulus plan - UPDATE

BROKERWATCH Kazakhmys upped to 'overweight' vs 'neutral' at HSBC

BROKERWATCH Heineken upped to 'hold' from 'reduce' at SNS; target stays 40 eurUK smallcap opening - Business Control ticks up on positive update

BROKERWATCH Kazakhmys upped to 'overweight' at HSBC, target cut to 1,550p UPDATE

UK smallcap opening - Cobra Bio-Manufacturing retreats on swing to FY loss

UK smallcap opening - Entertainment Rights runs back on FY profits warningLondon shares open lower as Dow tumbles on recession fears, miners offer support

BROKERWATCH Atos upped to 'add' vs 'hold' in sector review at Dresdner KleinwortCORRECTION BROKERWATCH Heineken upped to 'hold' from 'reduce' at SNS; tgt 42 eur

UK smallcap opening - Paragon drops after trading update

STOCKWATCH Rio Tinto up on BHP Billiton bid talk with ABN Amro retaining 'hold'

UK smallcap opening - RAB Capital down on static FY profits forecast

UK smallcap opening - SCI Entertainment rallies on board changes