MNI US Morning Briefing

     LONDON (MNI) - Across the Atlantic, the US calendar gets underway at

0830ET, with the release of the US trade data. The Canadian trade report will be

published at the same time.

     The US international trade gap is expected to widen further to $52.0

billion in December from a $50.5 billion gap in November. The advance estimate

of the Census goods trade gap widened to $71.6 billion, with exports up 2.7% and

imports up 2.5%.

     At 0850ET, St. Louis Fed President James Bullard is scheduled to speak.

     The latest Redbook Retail Sales Index will be published at 0855ET. At

1000ET, the IBD/TIPP Optimism Index will be published, alongside the latest

JOLTS data.

     Also due at 1000ET is the Canadian Ivey PMI survey.

     Back in Europe, at 1300ET, Bundesbank Board member Joachim Wuermeling is

scheduled to speak.

     Late US data includes the publication of the latest Treasury STRIPS data at

1500ET.

--MNI London Bureau; tel: +44 203-586-2225; email: les.commons@marketnews.com