• Mixed economic data was released in Europe today as U.K. 4th quarter GDP declined .2%, just slightly more than forecast, while German business confidence rose more than expected to a five month high of 108.3 in December. There is little hope that technical recession can be avoided in the euro zone, but data continues to suggest that the overall down-turn in the region may be mild. From Bloomberg News.
• The Greek bond swap saga focuses on Paris today as representatives for private sector creditors meet there to discuss the next move. The bond swap is hung up on the interest rate the new bonds will carry. From The Wall Street Journal.
• Apple Inc. blew 4th quarter earnings estimates away last night, reporting $13.87 per share. The street estimate was for $10.16 per share. The company sold over 37 million iPhones and 15 1/2 million iPads in the quarter. From Reuters News.
• U.S. President Barack Obama delivered a populist pitch last night in calling for higher taxes for wealthy Americans, and more government spending to create jobs. The speech set clear lines between the President and Republican platforms to reduce government, and keep taxes low. From The Wall Street Journal.