Ahead of Bernanke & Paulson

Good morning. Premarket futures are indicating a mixed start following some M&A activity (see ROH, CTLM, & XLTC) and better than expected jobless claims (although continuing claims rose). Retail sales, like from Wal-Mart(WMT), also were coming in a little above expectations. Financials are under pressure as concerns remain in place for Fannie and Freddie among many others.

Premarket gainers: ROH, FSYS, MEND, CPKI, SWPR, CLNE, RT, IRE, BMC, FMS, CLR, CTLM, ARO, T, BAC, WB, CROX, WMT, HUN, ESLR, RT, SGR, UNTD, INTV, MT, & ICO.

Premarket losers: MW, RT, FRE, FNM, TQNT, FCSX, FCSX, HUM, DOW, HGR, ZUMZ, ACGY, ABAT, MAR, PTNR, WFR, ATG, HNT, COGO, WB, & ZRAN.

At 10:AM investors await the testimony by Bernanke and Paulson before the House Financial Service Committee in Washington. Wall Street needs to hear that the government stands ready and prepared to extend massive rescue efforts as the credit crisis continues. Have a terrific Thursday!