13-month highs...CPI due

NEW YORK (AP) The key averages finished higher in the latest session, notching fresh 13-month highs. The Dow rose 30 to 10,437.

The S&P gained a point and the Nasdaq surged 6 points. U.S. futures point to a slightly lower open today on Wall Street.

HONG KONG (AP) Asian stocks were mixed today amid investor caution following recent advances, but European shares rose modestly in early trade. Analysts say there's a lack of conviction among many investors about the market's direction.

SINGAPORE (AP) oil prices extended gains above $79 a barrel today in Asia after an unexpected drop in U.S. crude supplies suggested demand could be improving. The Energy Information Administration plans to announce its inventory report later today.

Washington (AP) The Labor Department this morning is to release the main gauge of inflation at the retail level, the Consumer Price Index. Also due, is the monthly housing starts reading.

MARIETTA, Pa. (AP) Vaccines are starting to become big business for ailing drugmakers. At one time, they were little more than an afterthought. But vaccines now are viewed as a crucial path to growth, as drugmakers look for ways to bolster slowing prescription medicine sales amid intensifying generic competition and government pressure to cut prices.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-18-09 0531CST | save this article / add to your favorites list