《Economic Information Daily, October 13 Special Report》US major stock indices closed mixed yesterday, with large technology stocks showing divergent performance. Markets are also monitoring escalating Middle East tensions pushing up energy prices, as well as this week's US inflation data and major bank earnings. The Dow Jones closed up 195.6 points or 0.38%, at 51,850.55 points; the S&P 500 dipped 4.3 points or 0.06%, closing at 7,807.24 points; the Nasdaq fell 120.27 points or 0.44%, ending at 27,245.9 points. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index closed at 24,345, up 74 points or 0.3%, with turnover of HK$187.6 billion.

   Regarding major economic events worldwide, at 1:00 am Hong Kong time on the 14th, Richmond Federal Reserve Bank President Barkin will participate in a panel discussion. At 2:30 am, ECB Executive Board member Lane will deliver a speech. At 4:00 am, Boston Fed President Collins will deliver a speech.

   On the data front, at 10:00 pm tonight, the US will release September existing home sales data, forecasted to decline from 3.98 million to 3.95 million, with the monthly decline rate expected to narrow from 2% to 0.8%.

   In the US, companies scheduled to report earnings today include Goldman Sachs (US.GS), Johnson & Johnson (US.JNJ), JPMorgan Chase (US.JPM), and UnitedHealth (US.UNH). (wa)