* US equities close little changed, as early gains cannot be sustained. Good Washington Mutual news was offset by higher oil prices in a thinly traded session.
* Overnight, Asian equities, except Chinese ones, traded mostly lower
* Washington Mutual, the largest savings and loans, nears securing 5 billion $ in new capital, according to WSJ. Share rises 29%. Alcoa misses Q1 profit expectations, but markets count on higher aluminum prices going forward. AMD reports slower-than-expected Q1 revenues and slashes work force by 1680 jobs. Citigroup sells Diners club to Discover.
* Shirakawa, candidate for the BOJ governorship, might soon be confirmed by parliament.
* Oil (108.85) eases slightly overnight, after surging 3 $ on Monday following diesel supply concerns linked to a fire at European refinery
* IMF plans to sell more than 10% of its gold reserves, within the framework of the gold agreement and invest in other assets, bonds to start with. Gold little changed
* Australian business confidence drops to the lowest since September 2001, while New Zealand business confidence collapses to lowest level in 30 years.
* Minutes of the March 18 FOMC meeting highlight of the day.
