AUSTRALIA	SHANGHAI	HANG SENG

The Nikkei is closed today for a public holiday.

Good morning traders!

In Asia today, the Hang Seng ended the morning down 8.34 points at 26,858.67,
while Japan's markets are closed for a public holiday.

Crude oil for February delivery slipped 14 cents to $92.55 a barrel in electronic trading.

Happy trading!

G.

Australian shares close slightly lower after Wall Street sell-off - UPDATETFN economic and business calendar to Friday Jan 25Australian shares close slightly lower after Wall Street sell-offThomson Financial Europe AM at a glance share guide: Stocks, oil fall

TFN UK calendar and forecasts for today

Thomson Financial UK At A Glance Share Guide - Weekend

The Monday Press Roundup

Thomson Financial UK at a glance share guide

BROKERWATCH Tesco cut to 'underweight' from 'overweight' at Morgan StanleyLondon shares outlook - Lower after NY plunge; Northern Rock in focus

BROKERWATCH William Hill target cut to 585p vs 630 at Morgan Stanley

Scottish & Newcastle (SCTN) say they are in-line with expectations. They continue to reject offers for the company. Premier Oil (PMO) are in line to meet their 2010 50,000 boepd target, production is up 8%. Balfour Beatty (BBY) say second-half trading has been strong. JJB Sports (JJB) H2 is up 2.2% but slightly below previous H2 and they are cautious on the 2008 outlook. Autonomy's (AU.) deals of the day are with Ernst & Young and Countrywide. William Hill (WMH) have finally done a deal with Turf TV, which may boost Alphameric (ALM). IG Index (IGG) have announced profits up 63% - Cantor expect it to open 8p higher.

Among the small caps SCS Upholstery (SUY) are at the lower end of expectations, and are not paying a dividend. Cenkos Securities (CNKS) have confirmed their bid for Close Brothers. CODA say they are ahead of expectations are they have been approached at 205. Sterling Energy (SEY) have plugged and abandoned a well. Aminex (AEX) may have found gas in Texas. William Ransom (RNSM) have had their manufacturing licence reinstated. Stanelco (SEO) say their loss is in line with expectations but their cash balance is ahead. Centrica (CNA) have signed a deal with Ceres Power (CWR).

Tesco (TSCO) has been dowgraded to underweight from overweight by Morgan Stanley to 375 before their results tomorrow, and Wal-Mart plan to go head-to-head with their Fresh & Easy stores in the US. William Hill (WMH) has been re-iterated at overweight with a lowered 585 price target from 630 by Morgan Stanley.

The FTSE is currently being called down 34 at 6,168 by CMC. Dow futures are currently being called down 11 at 12,595 after Friday's 247 point loss. Cantor say a fat-finger trade caused a 15-point drop in the S&P earlier.

BROKERWATCH Saab upgraded to 'buy', Smiths Group to 'neutral' at Goldman Sachs

UK smallcap opening - Ceres Power higher as Centrica acquires stake

BROKERWATCH Cola-Cola HBC, SABMiller, InBev cut in Dresdner Kleinwort reviewUK smallcap opening - JJB Sports shares lower as margins fallUK smallcap opening - Alphameric rises after William Hill deal

UK smallcap opening - Ted Baker higher as sales riseLondon shares open lower after Wall Street retreat; Northern Rock falls

UK smallcap opening - Westminster falls after profit warning

UK smallcap opening - ScS Upholstery slides on poor Christmas sales

STOCKWATCH Eni higher as market welcomes Kashagan dealUK smallcap opening - Sterling Energy shares fall after Gabon disappointment

Metals - Dollar weakness propels gold above 900 usd; Platinum to new highs

BROKERWATCH Reuters cut to 'sell' vs 'hold' by ABN Amro; price target cutUK smallcap opening - Coda shares soar on Unit 4 Agresso takeover

STOCKWATCH Iberia soars on report Caja Madrid, BA in 'friendly' talks