10 things you should know before the opening bell

In the US markets, stocks ended mixed with the Dow ending its winning streak, closing fractionally lower after rising for eight straight sessions as hopes for a possible resolution to the political unrest in Egypt lifted equities off their intraday lows. For the most part, risk-sensitive asset markets held up.

• New claims for jobless benefits fell to their lowest level in 2.5 years down 36,000 to settle at a seasonally adjusted 383,000.
• Wholesale inventories climbed 1% to their highest level in almost two years while sales rose much less than expected.
• Business inventories rose to USD 430.5 billion, the highest since January 2009.
• Foreclosures continued their upward climb in January surging 12%.
• The US treasury monthly budget report showed a January deficit of USD 49.8 billion versus $80.0 billion last month.

• The US international trade gap in January is expected to rise to USD 40.5 b from USD 38.3
• The University of Michigan