OREANDA-NEWS. January 27, 2012. The US indices were flat on Wednesday. S&P 500 Index lost 0.57% while Russell was up by 0.34% with Telecommunications (-1.88%), and Oil & Gas (-1.32%) as the leaders. Greek negotiations optimism faded away as economic statistics were released.

Initial jobless claims rose to 377K vs consensus forecast of 370K.

Leading indicators Index rose by 0.4% vs consensus forecast of a 0.7% rise. Durable goods orders rose by 3.0% in December vs consensus forecast of a 2.0% rise.

Of 157 S&P 500 Index constituents the EPS of 105 and revenues of 90 companies beat expectations so far.

Asian indices were flat on Friday. Hang Seng lost 0.03%, Kospi added 0.39%, Japanese Nikkei lost 0.09%. S&P/ASX 200 added 0.4%. Chinese exchanges were closed for the observance of the Lunar New Year Holiday.

US GDP and the University of Michigan Consumer Confidence Index will be in focus in the US today.

Earnings season will go on with 13 companies to report. Procter&Gamble, Ford, Chevron results are to be the key events.