Many Asian markets were closed on Monday for the Lunar New Year. In Japan, the Nikkei closed flat at 8766, and Australia’s ASX 200 slipped .3% as miners fell.
European markets advanced on news that Greece was close to reaching a deal with debt holders. The FTSE climbed .9%, while the CAC40 and DAX gained .5%. The European banking index surged 3.9% amid rumors that France and Germany were calling for a relaxation of capital requirements.
US markets closed mixed in light trading. The Dow and Nasdaq declined .1%, while the S&P 500 edged up fractionally.
Research in Motion tumbled 8.5% after the company’s CEO resigned over the weekend.
Currencies
The Euro crossed back above 1.30 to 1.3031, up .7% amid hopes for a Greece debt deal. Similarly, the Swiss Franc gained .8% to 1.0792. Both the Australian and Canadian Dollar rose .5%, while the Yen and Pound settle little changed.
Economic Outlook
Tuesday’s lone report is the Richmond manufacturing index, which is expected to rise from 3 to 6. The Fed will begin their 2-day meeting on Tuesday.
President Obama’s State of the Union address will take place in the evening.