Market Summary

2211 GMT [Dow Jones] U.S. SUMMARY: EUR continued its retreat vs USD, GBP as investors speculated about a rate cut from ECB next week; after bottoming early at lowest level since Dec. 12, EUR generally trimmed its losses, aided by release of minutes from Fed's December policy-setting meeting, which evoked a bleak outlook for U.S. economy, though EUR continued recent sharp decline against GBP. U.S. data like factory orders, ISM services index were also poor. EUR/USD at 1.3509 late vs 1.3616 Tuesday (and off low of 1.3312), USD/JPY at 93.83 vs 93.33, EUR/JPY at 126.66 vs 127.10, GBP/USD at 1.4924 vs 1.4685, USD/CHF at 1.1165 vs 1.1090. Stocks closed higher despite more grim economic data and Fed warnings about depth of current downturn. Hewlett-Packard gained 8.2% after launching discount laptop with emphasis on video graphics, while American Express rose 5.6% and General Motors added 6.2%. Dow +0.7%, Nasdaq +1.5%, Philly semcions +5.1%. Alcoa shares down 3.5% after-hours, as it cut capex outlook. Treasurys improved from early steeper losses after well-bid 10-year TIPS auction and on heels of massive offering of corporate supply; 2-year yield down 1.6 bps at 0.80%, 10-year down 3.2 bps at 2.46%. Comex February gold settled $8.20 higher at $866/oz as support held at key moving average, USD gave up some initial strength and traders continued to eye developments in Middle East. Crude futures fell as marked paused to evaluate if oil could continue to rally in face of severe economic downturn; Nymex February crude settled down 23 cents at $48.58/bbl.(RSH)