The U. S. markets are down after losing early gains. Financials weigh on the markets and an explosion at an Apple components factory in Shanghai creates concerns over iPad 2 production. Kingdom Holdings invests big in Twitter. And homebuilder sentiment rises for the third straight month, according to the NAHB.
European shares slide as the ECB's Draghi says nothing about bond buying in speech. The ECB's Constancio says a euro zone breakup is unthinkable. Spain's incoming PM wants to reduce the deficit by $21.6 billion. Saab plans to liquidate after a Swedish court accepts its bankruptcy application. Oil stocks fall on weak economic recovery. And ratings agency Fitch says it's skeptical about Europe's ability to tackle its debt crisis. With Keith McCullough, Hedgeye Risk Management.
The Squawk on the Street news team break down the market moving headlines, including the impact on the markets since the death of North Korea's Kim Jong-Il, the new spanish prime minister announcing aggressive deficit cutting targets, and Kingdom Holding's Saudi Prince Alwaleed's investment of $300M in Twitter.
The European markets await euro zone news but rebound after a slow start. Italy's markets have a strong day and the UK struggles to get back into positive territory. Swedish Auto is down by 66 percent after Saab files for bankruptcy. And the euro is under pressure as the ECB announces it will launch a 3 year liquidity operation on Wednesday.
U.S. futures are mixed. More gainers than decliners in Europe even though Fitch says a solution to the crisis is technically and politically beyond reach. The ECB announces plans to launch a 3 year liquidity operation on Wednesday. The death of North Korean leader Kim Jong il shakes already nervous Asian markets, as his son Kim Jong un takes over.
CNBC's Mandy Drury reports the U.S. markets are positive, for now. The lower dollar and stronger euro are helping push things today. Financials, industrials and materials are all higher. Adobe is up after a good earnings report, but Zynga fell below its $10 IPO price in early trading. Meanwhile, things continue to be Rough for RIMM after it delays its remake till the end of 2012.
European shares are mixed in thin trading. Mining shares rally along with metal prices. Monti wins Italian confidence vote on austerity measures. The EU and IMF break off informal aid talks with Hungary. Britain says it plans to attend talks on a European fiscal pact. And a vote to withdraw German support for ESM fails. With JJ Kinahan, Think or Swim.
U.S. futures are up following yesterday's gains. European shares rise, led by mining stocks. Fitch downgrades Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse, BNP Paribas and Barclays. The euro is off its 11-month low. Italian PM Monti faces a confidence vote on a 33 billion euro austerity package. And gold rebounds while crude stays steady. In Asia, better-than-expected U.S. economic data lifts the markets in a mixed session.
As yields on U.S. Treasurys have dropped to the lowest levels since October, the "Fast Money" traders looked for yield elsewhere.