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We have a number of key events that will be impacting the flow of share trade today in the US Markets.  I make quick note of them here in the following list:

1. Early the morning the U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of other currencies, extended gains to hit a three-week high. It surged more than 1 percent yesterday, as the euro sank to $1.06.

2. Today Apple makes its new iWatch available for pre-order, ahead of a release date set for April 24. Customers will need an appointment to try the watch, which can be booked online through the Apple Store or iOS Apple Store App.  Shares of AAPL are trading lower in the pre-market on reports of less than expected demand for the iWatch on its launch today in Asia and Europe.

3. General Electric shares are trading higher in the premarket after the company announced a major restructuring of GE Capital, including the sale of most of the unit's assets.  GE also announced a $50 billion stock buyback program with proceeds from the move. 

4. Data expected Friday before the bell include the Treasury's budget statement at 2:00 p.m. ET, which is expected to show that the budget deficit increased to around $45 billion in March.

5. Import price data for March is also due at 8:30 a.m. ET, and is likely to point to accelerating price declines, not least due to the appreciation of the dollar. 

6. Richmond Federal Reserve President Jeffrey Lacker speaks at 8:45 a.m. on the economic outlook.

7. The FTSE-Euro 300 Index of major European stocks hit new 15-year highs on Friday. Markets in Europe are rallying on major merger and acquisition news this week.

That's it!  Trade safely and invest wisely!

TC