Open: 187.31 Close: 185.56 Change: -1.75

Today's Summary

10-year treasury bond has dropped 8 basis points since hitting 4.20 last week. Federal government spending rose by 2.9% annualized, after two quarters of declines, on a jump in national defense spending. Japan largely missed out on the internet software boom. The more Japan becomes an attractive platform for export production, the more reason there is for Japanese companies and foreign companies to invest in Japan. The most obvious selling point is the weak yen. A third strong point is Japans deep network of suppliers.