Spread bets and CFDs on the U.S. stock market should consider that futures are pointing to a slightly lower open. U.S. stocks are not expected to continue yesterday's robust rally. Instead, there are likely to be some doubts about upcoming economic data, as well as a tendency toward some profit taking.

Right now, investors are waiting for news about jobs and housing, two sectors of the economy that have been especially sluggish. Focus has moved away from yesterday's positive data out of China to what is actually happening with the U.S. economy.

European stocks are slightly lower today, and U.S. stock futures appear to be following suit.

Spread betting and contracts for differences on the spot forex market should consider that things are becoming quite interesting in Japan -- and yet the yen continues to strengthen against the U.S. dollar. Indeed, regular considerations related to interest rates and what is happening in other countries is not affecting the yen much right now.

Once again, leadership of Japan's ruling party is being challenged. This time, prime minister Naoto Kan is being challenged by Ichiro Ozawa. There have been several changes to the leadership in Japan in recent years, but this has not served to undermine the yen, as political instability would normally weaken a currency.

Instead, the Japanese yen continues to strengthen against the U.S. dollar on the spot forex market. One of the reasons Kan is being challenged right now is because some feel he is not moving fast enough to intervene in the forex market and encourage yen weakness.

Yen weakness is important to Japan because it gives Japan, a country dependent on its exports, an edge in international trade.

After yesterday's rather spectacular rally, European stocks are a little bit lower today. Spread bets and CFDs on the European stock market should consider that some of the enthusiasm has dampened by now, even with expectations that liquidity measures from the ECB are expected to remain in place at least through the end of the year.

Some companies came in with lower than expected yearly earnings, while others saw trouble with share downgrades. Another consideration is that profit takers are undoubtedly at work right now, selling some positions to make a quick profit.

European stocks are not down by a great deal, though. The Stoxx 600 has been swinging between gains and losses, and the CAC 40 is actually a little higher right now. The DAX and the IBEX are lower, though, joined by a slightly lower FTSE 100.

The European Central Bank decided to maintain the key interest rate at 1%, in a move that didn't surprise anyone. With the euro zone economy showing signs of life, it is clear that the ECB is not inclined to cut rates. However, the recovery is not moving at a pace that causes confidence in a plan to raise interest rates.

There is speculation, though, that the ECB will continue to engage in efforts to maintain liquidity through special measures. Liquidity is expected to remain somewhat scarce through the end of the year, and the ECB is expected to address that issue.

Now, of course, spread betting and contracts for differences await Jean Claude Trichet's remarks about the ECB decision. Trichet is expected to speak a little bit later today, and expound upon the policies the central bank expects to follow for the remainder of the year.

Spread betting and contracts for differences on the U.S. stock market should consider that futures are pointing to a higher open today. Investors are riding the higher European markets and Asian markets, and sending U.S. stock futures significantly higher.

After a lower open yesterday, stocks in the U.S. managed to head into the black by a fingernail, with the Dow ending nearly five points in the black.

Today, investors are brushing off employment data that shows private sector payrolls off by 10,000, and instead focusing on the global equity rally sparked by good news out of China.

Chinese manufacturing data just released is quite positive, and this is boosting the outlook for the global economy. Spread bets and CFDs on metals should also consider that it is helping base metals move higher in commodities trading.

Base metals, used for manufacturing, are heading higher as it appears that demand for them will be picking up as China increases manufacturing output. 

The news is also helping European stocks, which are optimistic over the idea that China may help keep the global economy out of recession -- no matter the troubles in the U.S. The euro is higher in forex trading, and other high beta currencies are doing well also.

Spread bets and CFDs should consider that the European stock market is heading higher today, thanks to news that China may be ready to pick things up in terms of manufacturing.

There had been concerns that the U.S. would hold back economic recovery, but China and commodity producers appear ready to pick up some of the slack. With the positive Chinese manufacturing data, the euro zone is looking forward to some possible growth.

European stocks are higher on the CAC 40, as well as the DAX. On top of that, the FTSE 100 is showing significant improvement. The euro is moving higher in forex trading, and it looks like risk appetite is returning to the markets -- at least for the day.

The euro is heading higher in spot forex trading today, thanks to enthusiasm over the latest news out of China. The euro zone is shrugging off the weak retail sales data out of Germany, and instead focusing on signs that China might be picking up the pace again.

With concerns about economic recovery so prevalent, the news that China might be ready to grow some more is good news. It helps to reduce the disappointment over slow U.S. economic recovery.

The euro zone has also seen some solid growth recently, in spite of the most recent numbers out of Germany and the euro zone employment data, and spread betting and contracts for differences should consider that is also providing some support for the euro in forex trading.