Google Web Browser

Google (GOOG) will introduce its own web browser, according to the Wall Street Journal. A software version called Chrome will be available for download as early as today and offered on an open-source basis which allows users to modify the software code.

Amongst other features, the software will allow faster web browsing and make it easier to run applications without downloading other programs to the computer. It is seen as the latest effort in a battle with rival Microsoft’s (MSFT) Internet Explorer.

From the Bull Pen: Professor Smita Sadana mentioned on the Buzz to watch Google’s behavior at the $463 level. Those bullish can set sell stops below that mark, but note the resistance and head and shoulders formation at $500.

From the Bear Cave: Bears looking for a downside tech play might see one in IBM (IBM), and can initiate a position if the stock can rally to the $125 level. Buy stops can be set above that mark.


ERTS’ Bet on Spore

The Wall Street Journal reports Electronic Arts (ERTS) is set to release this week Spore, one of the most talked-about videogames in history. Some believe the success of Spore is crucial as EA has been losing money for six straight quarters due in part to its Madden football games running out of steam.

Game guru Will Wright has been working on this title since 2005. The company declined to say how much it has spent on creating the game, but an analyst at Wedbush Morgan believes EA spent $50 million and will need $75 million in sales to break even.

From the Bull Pen: Is toymaker Hasbro (HAS) the better upside play? The stock has been in an uptrend for the whole year and is set to recover its 50 DMA. Sell stops can be set below $36 or $35 depending on your risk profile.

From the Bear Cave: Can one game save the stock? Those bearish on ERTS can initiate a downside position if the stock can rally to its 200 DMA ($49.80). Buy stops can be set above that level.

For more ideas in real time throughout the trading day, check out Minyanville’s Buzz & Banter.


Quick Check Around the World

Asian trading closed with the Hang Seng +0.65%, Nikkei -1.75%, Sensex +3.80%, Taiwan -1.66% and Shanghai -0.87%.

A quick check across the pond finds the CAC +1.35%, DAX +1.56%, FTSE +0.35%

As of 8:30 AM EST, S&P futures are up +12 points to 1294, and Nasdaq futures are higher +27 points to 1902.

A Look At Commodities

Crude oil is weak, down -6.88 to 108.63. Gold is lower -22 to 808.90. Silver is down -0.437 to 13.170. and copper is off -13.50 to 329.45.

The dollar index is up +0.406 to 78.052.

On the Radar

Economics

10:00 ISM Manufacturing: 50.0 cons.
10:00 ISM Prices Paid: 82.0 cons.
10:00 Construction Spending (m/m): -0.4% cons.


Welcome back and good luck!