U.S. stocks ended mostly higher, helped by strong Chinese economic data and confidence ahead of earnings season. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 45.80, or 0.43 percent, to 10,663.99. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index advanced 2 or 0.17 percent, to 1,146.98, while the Nasdaq composite was the lone laggard, declining 4.76, or 0.21 percent, to 2,312.41. The blue chips and benchmark S&P hit new 15 month highs.

Morning Outlook

Wall Street looks to open lower Tuesday over concerns over the quality of quarterly earnings. AA kicked things off yesterday and didn’t impress, while Electronic Arts Inc (ERTS) warned on fiscal 2010 earnings, blaming weakness in Europe as well as a shift toward lower-margin products in Europe. Dow Jones industrial average futures fell 68, or 0.6 percent, to 10,536. Standard & Poor’s 500 index futures declined 8.20, or 0.7 percent, to 1,134.30, while Nasdaq 100 index futures lost 14.00, or 0.7 percent, to 1,869.50.

China, after seeing explosive growth in exports, pumped up their lending rate from 1.76 percent to 1.84 percent while increase reserve requirements by 0.5 percent. Things are just on fire in the far east, and many fear that the entire country is an asset bubble waiting to burst, or even go as far as saying the Chinese government is cooking the books on growth.

On the Corporate Front

Alcoa Inc (AA), the largest U.S. aluminum producer, saw shares fall following their earnings statement. Sales fell 4.5 percent to $5.43 billion despite an 18 percent increase in the price of aluminum. In the 4th quarter, AA posted a once cent profit per share, below analyst estimates of six cents.

Currencies and Commodities

The greenback was mixed in trading while most commodities fell. The dollar fell 0.7037% at 91.44 yen in the currency market. The euro depreciated 0.1106% to $1.4497 while the pound rose 0.2364% to $1.6153. Gold shed $3.10 to $1148.30 an ounce, while silver declined 1.23% at $18.45. Light, sweet crude for February delivery dropped back under $82 per barrel on the NYMEX following its sharp advance to 15 month highs. The contract is losing $1.14 to $81.38 per barrel on the NYMEX; a 1.38% decline.

Economic Calendar

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International Trade: Measures the difference between imports and exports of both tangible goods and services. Imports may act as a drag on domestic growth and they may also increase competitive pressures on domestic producers. Exports boost domestic production. We have had huge trade deficits in recent years, with foreign countries able to produce goods cheaper. The trade gap is expected to widen to $35 billion in November as the weak dollar has been boosting the U.S. economy with exports rising for six consecutive months.. The trade gap narrowed to $32.9 billion in October.