Flat Open Expected for U.S. Markets

Most world markets are down today, hurt by the bad news on housing out of the United States yesterday. Japanese markets, which were closed yesterday, were down 2.4 percent, in part a delayed reaction to Toyota's announcement that it would post its first operating loss in almost 70 years.

U.S. markets appear headed for a flat open, though there are a couple of numbers due out before the opening bell that could change things. Personal spending and durable-goods numbers, both due out at 8:30, are likely lower, economists say. And weekly jobless claims are also due out today.

Even if the traders who are still hanging around are disappointed by the government figures, they'll have less time to react to them: Markets close at 1 p.m. for Christmas Eve.

--Terri Rupar