U.S. stocks are slightly lower as we await the latest batch of corporate earnings and economic data. Earnings season continues in full swing, with a number of major brands gearing up to publish their latest financial figures. Mondel?z International, AvalonBay, Texas Roadhouse and Dominion are some of the names set to issue their latest earnings reports.
 
It is merger Monday. Big homebuilder Lennar agreed to buy homebuilder CatAtlantic for $9.3 billion, creating the largest U.S. homebuilder. For-profit colleges Strayer and Capella agreed to merge in a stock-swap deal. (CNBC)
 
Climbing oil exports from Iraq are dampening gains in oil prices. But there are expectations that the OPEC production cuts will be extended past its deadline of March 2018. (Reuters)
 
Platinum is down 0.2% to $912.70 an ounce, while palladium is up 0.4% to $969.22 an ounce. (CNBC)
 
Apple moved to stop concerns of low demand for its iPhone X, saying pre-orders for the 10th anniversary phone were "off the charts." (Reuters)
 
With Northwest Quadrant Wealth Management, a Registered Investment Advisor I am Troy Reinhart.