International equity markets finished with mixed results overnight as the upcoming US financial-reporting season raised concerns on earnings.

In Europe the UK's FTSE fell by 14 points (-0.2%) to settle at 6108, whilst Germany's DAX added 14 points (+0.2%) to settle at 7730. France's CAC rose two points (+0.1%) to settle at 3708.

In the US, the S&P declined one point (-0.1%) to settle at 1471 whilst the Nasdaq fell eight points (-0.3%) to settle at 3118 after Apple's share price fell by 3.8% after reports surfaced that the firm decreased iPhone production due to a lack of demand. The Dow Jones increased by 19 points (+0.1%) to settle at 13507.

In the commodity space, crude oil for February delivery added $0.58 (+0.6%) to settle at $94.14 per barrel after an increase in heating oil demand due to forecasts of cold weather in the US.

Gold futures for February delivery added 0.5% to settle at $1669.40 per ounce as investors sought safer alternatives amid concerns that the US government might implement more easing policies.

In the currency space, the Japanese yen fell against the US dollar yet again on escalating concerns that Prime Minister, Mr. Shinzo Abe, will choose a BoJ governor who favours more aggressive monetary policies.

The euro finished with slight gains against the greenback amid optimism that the eurozone will make a recovery in the near future. There is no major local economic data slated for release today.

Morning Market Update: Quiet Overnight is a post from: Australian Stock Report Market Pulse Blog