Eastern time. And in europe some markets have already closed early. The nikkei did hit 15,000 briefly for the first time in six years. Our road map begins with Holiday Cheer for the market. It might sound like a broken record but once again stocks set to open at fresh highs. Today is another important day for retail. Some stores are staying open for as much as 100 hours straight to try to take advantage of the late rush. But with new data showing a drop in sales, will those extra hours be enough to boost holiday totals . And what was the most important story for your money . Its not over yet but weve got that answer for you. And were joined by Dennis Berman, Business Editor and columnist at the wall street journal. The bulls are in a pretty jolly move this Christmas Eve, nasdaq closing at its highest level in more than 13 years, all three major averages posting their strongest fourday winning streaks in over two months. For more on this record market rally, lets bring in paul hickey, c
2013. Announcer from nbc news, this is today with matt lauer and Savannah Guthrie. Live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. Good morning. Welcome to today at 7 00 a. M. On the west coast on this wednesday. Im matt lauer. Morning everyone im Savannah Guthrie along side al roker and natalie morales. A lot happening in the news today. A lot of breaking news overnight including an intense bank. More on that story in a few minutes. First, right to that deadly cargo plane crash in alabama. Tom costello is at Reagan International airport. Tom, good morning. What is the latest . Reporter good morning. This happened at about 6 00 a. M. Eastern time, 5 00 a. M. Central time this morning. This was u. P. S. Cargo flight 1354 coming into birmingham, alabama, from louisville, kentucky, where upss base is with a major cargo operation. The plane never made it to the runway, coming in and crashing in a field just short of the airport. Were told no structures nearby were involved. Local authorities on