US Mid-Morning Update by Trade The News staff - This morningâs economic data was mostly softer than expected highlighted by pending home sales and factory orders. Equities are trading mixed with commodity related sectors again seeing the brunt of any selling. A continued decline in Feb crude futures has taken oil towards $57, down another 2% today. Weekly inventory data was mixed with gasoline inventories growing more than expected. The OSX is down another 1.25% while XOM continues to be one of the biggest drags on the Dow. The NASDAQ has been outperforming throughout the early session led by tech and biotech names. The SOX Index is up 1.4% while Internet behemoth EBAY is up 3.5% after positive Bear Stearns comments. - The majority or retailers reported December SSS last night and this morning, which has led to a mixed reaction. WMT +0.7% KSS +1.8% COST +2% ANF +3.3% TJX +2.8% HOTT â18% BEBE â7% BJ â3% - US Treasuries have traded steadily higher since the open of floor trading. 30-year +16/32 at 4.73%; 10-year +8/32 at 4.62%; 2-year +2/32 at 4.72% The US Dollar is posting some solid gains for the second straight day. The Euro is off 0.6% while the Pound has given back 0.4%. Metals are fairly quiet with copper rallying $0.06 from session lows but still down $0.03 on the day at $2.61. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Copyright 2007 © Trade The News