MORNING COFFEE

Oil Expected To Be Above $100.00 in 2012. Commodity analysts see oil prices staying above $100 a barrel in 2012. Iran’s threats of a supply disruption are causing a $10-$20 premium in prices. If Iran does ratchet up their rhetoric and attempt to close the Straits of Hormuz prices could go much higher. Also seen as keeping oil above $100 is the effort of OPEC nations to keep prices elevated to provide social assistance programs promised in response to the Arab Spring uprisings. Crude +0.31% to $99.67

Upgrades

News Corp. (NWSA): RBC Capital raised their rating from Outperform to Top Pick and placed a target price of $21.00 on the company. After Hours: 17.45 0.00 (0.00%)

Downgrades

United Technologies (UTX): Argus lowered their rating from Buy to Hold. Pre-market: 72.71 -0.42 (-0.57%)

Coverage Initiated

Pandora Media (P): Collins Stewart initiated coverage with a Neutral rating and target price of $13.00. After Hours: 9.98 -0.03 (-0.30%)

LinkedIn (LNKD): Collins Stewart initiated coverage with a Buy rating and target price of $86.00. Pre-market: 61.76 +0.03 (0.05%)

Delphi Automotive (DLPH): Citigroup initiated coverage with a Neutral rating and target price of $25.00.

Markets: 
Futures at 7:32: Dow +0.16%. S&P +0.29%. Nasdaq +0.29%. Crude +0.31% to $99.67. Gold -2.33%  to $1527.60. 

Europe: London +0.21%. Paris +0.31%. Frankfurt +0.40%. 

Asia: Japan -0.29% to 8399. Hong Kong -0.65% to 18398. China +0.162% to 2174. India -1.17% to 15544.