U.S. stock futures were little changed this morning, while Europe was higher and Asian markets closed mixed. Wall Street finished relatively flat Tuesday, after opening lower on the terrorist attacks in Brussels. The market saw its second lowest volume day of 2016. (CNBC)
The Nasdaq, up five straight days, could post its longest winning streak in nearly a year with an advance today. The Dow, however, broke seven consecutive sessions of gains on Tuesday, while the S&P 500 snapped a four-day positive run. (CNBC)
Fed Chair Janet Yellen has a mini revolt on her hands, with four of the 17 members of the central bank's policymaking committee publicly indicating disagreement with last week's post-meeting dovish guidance. (CNBC)
U.S. oil futures were lower this morning, after industry data showed a larger-than-expected stockpile build. Meanwhile, the government releases its weekly inventory data at 10:30 a.m. ET. (Reuters)
Oil prices may be about to reach some stability, according to a top Saudi petrochemicals executive, predicting Brent at $60 per barrel by the end of 2016, following the collapse to 13-year lows. (CNBC)
Nike (NKE) beat on earnings. But revenue fell short of estimates, putting pressure on the Dow stock in premarket trading. The athletic footwear and apparel maker did chalk up a 12 percent gain in future orders compared to 2 percent advance a year earlier. (CNBC)
Credit Suisse (CS) plans to implement $821 million in additional cost cuts, including reductions of 2,000 investment banking jobs. Separately, the bank struck a partnership with Palantir, one of Silicon Valley's most secretive start-ups, to stop rogue traders. (Reuters & CNBC)
The Supreme hears arguments today, in a case about access to contraception and religious liberty. The plaintiffs object to an Obamacare rule requiring many employers to provide free insurance coverage for birth control. (NY Times)
BY THE NUMBERS
The government releases its February report on new home sales at 10 a.m. ET, with forecasts calling for a 3.2 percent increase, after a 9.2 percent slide in January.
Volatile interest rates markets settled slightly last week, but that did little to help the mortgage business. Total home loan application volume decreased 3.3 percent, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
General Mills (GIS) is among the companies set to report quarterly earnings this morning, while KB Home (KBH) and PVH Corporation (PVH) issue their latest numbers after this afternoon's closing bell.
Krispy Kreme (KKD) slightly beat estimates with earnings, but revenue fell just shy of forecasts. Same-store sales dropped 7 percent. The doughnut maker also late Tuesday warned on full-year results.
Red Hat (RHT) beat on earnings and revenue. The Linux OS provider issued also guidance for the full year that exceeds forecasts, thanks to increasing demand for its software and cloud services.
STOCKS TO WATCH
Merck (MRK) emerged victorious in a patent battle with Gilead Sciences (GILD) over hepatitis C drugs. The jury in the case will now decide how much in damages to award to Merck.
AstraZeneca (AZN) saw its blood thinner, Brilinta, fail in a clinical trial involving stroke treatment, with the drug not providing benefits that were significantly better than aspirin.
An Amazon (AMZN) executive will be cross-examined today after testifying at a court proceeding involving the proposed buyout of Office Depot (ODP) by Staples (SPLS). The FTC is suing to block the deal.
Oracle (ORCL) is suing Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), saying HP improperly used third-party support for Oracle's Solaris operating system. Oracle requires that customers use it for technical support.
WATERCOOLER
Alphabet's (GOOGL) Google unit won a key contract. Home Depot (HD) signed a deal , which also boasts Snapchat and Airbnb as clients. (Reuters)
Hidden inside the cellular-enabled versions of Apple's (AAPL) new iPad Pro is a tiny component that could help further erode the notion of devices being tied to just one network. (Re/code)