The overall tone of the report is pretty mediocre at this point.

Today's manufacturing output figures were mediocre and disappointing overall,

The strength in this component, which includes apparel and home entertainment goods, bodes well for Christmas retail sales.

A rise in longer-term bond yields would arguably be seen as doing some of the Fed's tightening work.

The main factor behind the Canadian dollar appreciation is likely the expectation of tomorrow's Bank of Canada statement accompanying the widely expected hike.

Even with the Canadian dollar appreciating some 6 U.S. cents through the year, both exports and imports in 2005 surged to record high levels.