Dow Jones Industrial Average Pulls Back; Greece at the Forefront

After notching its highest perch on record Friday, futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:DJI) are signaling a slow start to the week. While a bailout extension for Greece helped lift the Dow -- and S&P 500 Index (SPX) -- into uncharted territory, traders are keeping a close eye trained overseas today, as the fiscally strapped nation is expected to present a list of reform proposals to eurozone finance ministers. Back on the homefront, there is plenty to hold investors' attention, as well, with updates on regional manufacturing and existing home sales due.

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Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) are more than 44 points below fair value.

Market Statistics

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1.4 million call contracts traded on Friday, compared to 727,169 put contracts. The resultant single-session equity put/call ratio dropped to 0.53, while the 21-day moving average edged down to 0.64.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is up 0.5% at 94.76.
• Crude oil is poised to surrender its footing atop the round-number $50 mark, and was last seen 3.5% lower at $49.02 per barrel.
• Elsewhere, gold is down 0.7% at $1,196.10 per ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

Existing home sales and the Dallas Fed's manufacturing index kick off a busy week of economic news. On the earnings front, we'll hear from Agrium (AGU), Cooper Tire (CTB), Dish Network (DISH), and Express Scripts (ESRX). To see what's coming up on this week's agenda, click here.

Overseas Trading

Asian markets settled modestly higher today, as traders cheered Friday's bailout deal between Greece and eurozone finance ministers. In Japan, the Nikkei tacked on 0.7% to close at a new 15-year high, while South Korea's Kospi added 0.4%, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng ended with a fractional gain. China's Shanghai Composite remained shuttered for holiday.

Most European benchmarks are in the green at midday, as investors react to a four-month extension of Greece's bailout. The country has until today to submit a list of proposed reforms. At last check, the German DAX is up 0.4% -- after earlier topping out at a fresh record peak -- the French CAC 40 is 0.2% higher, while London's FTSE 100 is flirting with a 0.3% loss.

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