Trend lines for the major market index composites ended last week skewed in a
positive direction. Indices closed out in the green on the last session of
trading in the U.S. and this momentum carried through the weekend. Prior to
opening bell this morning, stock market futures tracking revealed that the major
market indices were posting green and that stocks were positioned for a higher
open. The market surged early this morning with the news that AT&T planned to
acquire T-mobile for $39 billion. Some analysts report that the purchase will
prove profitable for Apple as the iPhone and iPad will be accessible to a wider
customer base when they officially become part of AT&T network. Investors will
once again be looking to developments in Japan and in Libya throughout the day
as they position themselves in the market. Encouraging news is reported from
Japan as engineers are able to make progress cooling nuclear reactors that
overheated as a result of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit March
11th. With a potential nuclear crisis diverted, attention has turned to the
Middle East as an airstrike launched by a coalition including the U.S. and
allies has focused on Libyan military targets as well as Moammar Gadhafis
compound. Oil prices jumped following the attack and continue to be monitored
closely as new developments are reported. Approaching mid day the major market
indexes continue to trend in the green. The Dow gained 183.45 points or 1.55% to
12041.97. The Nasdaq increased 50.25 points or 1.90% to 2693.84. The S&P 500 was
up 19.76 points or 1.54% to 1299.01. Oil increased 0.97 to $102.04 a barrel. The
Treasuries 10 year yield gained 0.04 to 3.31%. The U.S. dollar decreased by
0.0011 to the Euro at $1.42 Author: Pamela Frost
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