U.S. stocks slip; oil-inventory data are mixed

Date: Wed, Dec 30, 2009 at 12:00 PM

U.S. STOCKS SLIP; OIL-INVENTORY DATA ARE MIXED
U.S. stocks decline, led by consumer and energy sectors, as preliminary
oil-inventory data are mixed.

OIL, NATURAL GAS BRACE FOR NEW YEAR
Energy traders certainly have their work cut out for them when it comes to
guessing the next direction for oil and natural gas as the year comes to an
end.

GOLD EDGES LOWER AS DOLLAR RISES
Greenback's rise reduces gold's appeal as an investment hedge.

CHICAGO PMI HITS THREE-YEAR HIGH
Businesses in the Chicago region expand in December at the most rapid pace
since January 2006, based on data from the Chicago purchasing managers index.

WEDNESDAY'S BIGGEST GAINING AND DECLINING STOCKS
Stocks moving significantly in trading on Wednesday include Horizon Bancorp,
Japan Airlines, Tessera and Trico Marine..