Sony Wows With Playstation Sales; Futures Higher This Halloween

The futures markets are higher this morning on decent growth data from Europe and a surprise stimulus announcement from the Bank of Japan. Stateside, earnings season continues in earnest. Sony sold over 3 million Playstation consoles in the latest quarter, toppling Microsoft Xbox from its top spot. Sony upped its operating profit forecast for its gaming division. This holiday, its all about online shopping. So Wal-mart will match prices if a customer can find a cheaper price on a comparable item online. It won't be great for margins, but will certainly help competition. Finally Starbucks saw same store sales slow. CEO Howard Schultz blames more Americans engaging in online shopping.