• China’s manufacturing index was in contraction for the second month in a row. Exports also fell in December for the first time in three months. The HSBC PMI figure came in at 48.7 in December. Market participants look for easing in the from of cuts to bank reserve ratios before markets open in the region on January 3rd. From Reuters News.
• Commodity prices are set for their first annual decline since 2008. Turmoil in Europe combined with fears of slowing growth in China have made for a difficult year across the board in commodities. From Bloomberg News.
• The IMF recently warned Greece that the 50% write down on debt held by private institutions may not be enough given economic forecasts. From The Wall Street Journal.
• In time for another slow day in the markets the letter outlining Jodie Fisher’s claim against Hewlett Packard’s then CEO Mark Hurd was ordered unsealed. The release will most likely make for a chilly New Year at Oracle for Mr. Hurd. From Reuters News.