By James Langton

(August 2 – 09:00 ET) – There are no major releases on either side of the border today. Traders are waiting to see what happens in the bond market after a U.S. Treasury announcement today. There is some speculation that the U.S. 30-year bond could be eliminated. An US$11.5 billion bond issue by Fannie Mae in the U.S. is also keeping bond traders excited.

Later today, Fed Governor Laurence Meyer speaks about the Federal Open Market Committee, but that talk isn’t generating much interest.

The only shred of data out is Canada’s Help-wanted index for July. it increased by 1.2% to 171 in the month, economists were expecting it to remain flat. The largest monthly increases were recorded in New Brunswick, up 2.7%, and Newfoundland, up 2.6%; the indices in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Manitoba decreased by less than 1%.

In Europe stocks are mixed once again, oils are up, banks are down. Techs are strong after Global Crossing Ltd. reported a smaller-than-expected second-quarter loss and Motorola said it will come in on target. The FTSE has gained 31 points to 6,410. The CAC 40 is down 23 to 6,509 and the DAX is down 29 points to 7,116.

On the heels of massive cuts at Bank of America, it was announced today that Standard Chartered plc, a UK bank, will cut 6,000 jobs, about 20% of its workforce, to drive down expenses.

M&A rumours suggets that Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-Shing will buy Powercor Australia from ScottishPower plc for US$1.33 billion.

In Asia stocks rebounded overnight. The Nikkei added 106 points to 16,206. The Hang Seng closed up 380 points to 17,277.

In earnings news already today, Air Canada today reported net income of 81¢ a share, fully diluted, versus 33¢ a share a year ago.

MacDonald Dettwiler & Associates Ltd. reported earnings of 11¢ a share, matching last year’s performance.

Vitran Corporation Inc. recorded net income of 32¢ a share fully diluted, compared to 33¢ a share in the period last year.

Rogers AT&T and ViAir Inc. are launching WirelessInbox, to give Rogers AT&T subscribers to access their existing e-mail accounts anywhere, anytime.