Markets may be quiet again today with U.S. markets only open for a brief session today, following yesterday’s Thanksgiving holiday. The NYSE closes at 13:00 ET. It is the biggest retail day of the year in the U.S., however, and stocks may be on some shopping lists.

In the meantime, stock futures are looking higher. Techs look notably stronger, led by the chipmakers.

In economic news, real GDP slowed to a 0.8% growth rate in the third quarter. While new housing activity and exports picked up strength, consumer spending remained flat and business capital spending slowed. The gain in exports led to an expansion of the surplus on current transactions with non-residents. The economy lost some steam near the end of the quarter, however, with GDP edging up a modest 0.1% in September.

In Europe, stocks are mostly mixed so far today. A report showed that consumer confidence in the region is at a five-year low. However, there have been some gains in stocks that may face asbestos-related liabilities rose, after Fresenius Medical Care AG settled some claims for US$15 million. Gains are coming in paced by Cie. de Saint-Gobain SA and ABB Ltd.

The FTSE is down 17 points at 4,168. The CAC 40 has dropped three ticks to 3,327. And, the DAX is bucking the trend, gaining 24 points to 3,385.

In M&A news, it is being said that Hyundai Merchant Marine Co. will get the European Union’s antitrust approval for the US$1.5 billion sale of one of its units.

Overnight in Asia, stocks had a mixed session. The Nikkei gained 39 points on the day to 9,216. The Hang Seng dropped 78 points to 10,070.

In earnings news, Mitec Telecom Inc. reported that its net loss for the second quarter reached $5.2 million, compared to a net loss of $515,000 for the same period last year.