Newscorp, Archer Daniels, Humana to announce results

CNBC’s Margaret Brennan - The big question is will the markets extend last weeks gains? Today is a light day for economic data that might influence trading, the only major US government report is about factory orders for December. It is expected that they will see increase of 1.5%. The Challenger Gray and the Christmas out placement firm reports on announced job cuts and that will be closely watched given Friday’s drop in US payrolls for the first time since 2003.

We will hear more Fed speak with Federal Reserves Governor Randall Kroszner speaking in Las Vegas on Central Banks proposed mortgage regulations.

Microsoft investors gather in New York for previously scheduled meeting with CEO Steve Ballmer and one can bet that they will be talking USD 45 billion hostile bid that Microsoft made on Friday for Yahoo.

Earnings spree begins to slowdown a bit. Today’s major report comes from Newscorp and the other companies posting theie quarterly profits includes Archer Daniels, Humana, Wendy’s and fast food company Yum! Brands.

The Dow Jones industrial average ended Friday’s session up 92 points that is 4.4% weekly gains, the Nasdaq climbed 23 points on Friday’s session.
 
Wall Street: The day ahead

• Dec factory orders expected to increase 1.5%
• Jan jobs report down as payrolls dropped
• US Fed Governor Randall Kroszner to speak in Las Vegas on proposed mortgage regulations
• Microsoft investors gather in New York for a meeting with CEO, Steve Ballmer
• Newscorp to report quarterly profit
• Dow ends up 92 pts on Friday & Nasdaq gains 23 pts