From: Ike Groff Subject: Early Tour 2.6.13 Date: Wed, 06 Feb 2013 11:01:26 +0000 Inline-Images: image00 1 jpg; image002.png ppescription: Description: Good Morning ... European Markets mixed ... ASX +0.78%, NKY +3.77%, KOSPI -0.10%, TWSE +0.25%, SHCOMP +0.06%, HSI +0.47% EUR 1.3527 (-0.41%) JPY 93.69 (-0.06%) AUD 1.0309 (-0.78%) NZD 0.8418 (-0.41%) Spain 10yr 5.36% Italy 10yr 4.47% US 10yr 1.98% Futures: Dow +12, Nasdaq -2, S&P +0 DXY $79.74 (+25c) Crude $96.04 (-60c) Gold $1670.50 (-$3.00) Copper -0.81% Most Asian markets were higher overnight reversing some of yesterday's selloff, especially in Japan where the NKY225 hit its highest level since Sept 2008. Gains in Tokyo were yen-led after the current BOJ governor, Masaaki Shirakawa announced his intention to end his term 3 weeks early, on Mar 19th. This accelerates PM Abe's leadership transition and speculation is that additional easing measures could be announced at the April 4th BOJ meeting, instead of the 26th. The yen hit an intra-day high of 94.06 and the NKY225 had biggest one-day % gain in almost 2yrs - only 8 names in the index closed down on the day. Outside of Japan news flow was light except for Macau names which got slammed in HK (-5%) after a London Times article renewed fears of a major junket crackdown following the Chinese New Year (Times). Overall volumes are likely to dry up through the end of the week as we approach the Lunar New Year. China will be closed all week and other markets will be observing holidays as well. Monday will be very light, with most of Asia closed. Today was Taiwan's last day until the 18th. European markets mixed on a heaving earnings calendar day (Italy lags -0.65%, CAC/DAX/IBEX all down as well). Spanish political corruption scandal still on the front pages as former treasurer of governing People's Party Luis Barcenas will be questioned by prosecutors today. Holland vs Germany spread widening on the back of Fitch revising its outlook on the Dutc