RETAIL SALES

* GBP/USD immediate target downside around 1.60, next 1.58 * Sterling hit by weak housing data while dollar awaits better sales figures * US Fed's Lacker, Treasury's Brainard to speak on Monday

Futures on major U.S. indices point to a small rebound on Monday ahead of key monthly retail sales data.

US dollar strengthened across the board on Monday on expectations of good data signaling recovery, but investors are also cautious that any negative surprise could trigger market worries about more bond buyback by the Fed, sparking off the quantitative easing (QE3) talks.

Concerns over Europe's debt risks felled Australian and New Zealand dollars - Asia Pacific's major risky currencies - on Monday, while growing fears that China may raise rates further dampened the sentiment. Market is keen on any fresh developments from Europe, with many important EU officials, including Alex Weber of ECB, scheduled to speak on the first day of the Euro Finance Week held November 15-19 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Majestic Wine Plc, UK's largest wine warehouse chain, reported a 20 percent rise in first-half pretax profit as sales rose on substantial increase in active customers, and the company lifted its interim dividend by 17.9 percent to 3.3 pence.

Singapore's retail sales (seasonally adjusted) decreased 2.4 percent in September 2010 compared to August 2010, the Singapore Department of Statistics said in a statement.

Copper hit record highs in London and jumped to a 30-month high in New York on Thursday as strong Chinese data suggested higher demand for the metal by the world's biggest consumer.

Michael Yoshikami, president and chief investment officer of YCMNET Advisors in Walnut Creek, Calif. discusses what exactly QE is, why it may be needed and its potential impact.

Drug legalization could reduce government costs and raise tax revenues, but opponents worry over health and social ills

Ford Motor Co President for the Americas Mark Fields said on Thursday he expects September U.S. light vehicle sales to top the 11.5 million annualized sales rate from August, which matches analysts' forecasts.

Scott Stevenson was only 10 years old when he first heard grown-ups voice the gloomy words that, in retrospect, predicted the disappointing arc his life has taken.

The U.S. dollar fell broadly on Thursday as better-than-forecast European economic data boosted equities and spurred appetite for risk, with a drop in U.S. lending rates putting additional pressure on the currency.

Gold prices have fallen sharply from all-time high of $1265 on June 21st on reassessment of US economic prospects by some gold traders and investors, and an abatement in perceived European sovereign risk, accoridng to Jeffrey Nichols, Senior Economic Advisor to Rosland Capital. However, he has maintained a bullish view on gold on loss of confidence in dollar and inflation.

The Australian Dollar opens marginally higher against the greenback this morning at 0.8675.

Hasbro Inc on Monday posted a sharper-than-expected quarterly sales decline from a year ago when it benefited from merchandising tie-ins to Hollywood blockbusters like G.I. Joe.

Hot on the heels of the FOMC downgrade of U.S GDP softer than expected Chinese data triggered a selloff of higher yielding Currencies in Asia as concerns over the potential slowdown in global growth resurfaced.

The U.S. dollar fell broadly on Thursday, with the euro soaring to a two-month high above $1.29 as soft inflation and manufacturing data added to concern about the strength of the U.S. economy. Data showing a third straight monthly decline in producer prices came a day after Federal Reserve meeting minutes revealed policymakers think they may need to do more to boost the economy if a sputtering recovery slows any further.

The dollar hit a two-month low against the euro and a basket of major currencies on Thursday as soft inflation and manufacturing data added to concern about the strength of the U.S. economy. Data showing third straight monthly decline in producer prices came a day after Federal Reserve meeting minutes revealed policymakers think they may need to do more to boost the economy if a sputtering recovery slows any further.

U.S. stocks broke a six-day winning streak on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 ending a hair lower after the Federal Reserve suggested additional measures may be needed to combat a weakening economy.

Sales at U.S. retailers fell for a second straight month in June and businesses wary of ebbing demand barely raised inventories in May, more evidence the economic recovery has slowed in recent months.

Stocks weakened on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve's policy makers said the central bank should be ready to consider additional steps to boost the economy if a softening outlook takes a turn for the worse.