Futures rise as earnings season begins in the US
NEW YORK (AP) - Stock futures are rising after a pair of U.S. companies opened the earnings season with a surprisingly strong start.
Dow Jones industrial futures are up 13 points to 13,280. The broader S&P futures have added 0.80 points to 1,435.10. Nasdaq futures are up 0.25 points to 2,714.25.
After markets closed Tuesday, Alcoa predicted rising demand for its aluminum this year and topped revenue expectations for the fourth quarter. Earlier in the day, agricultural giant Monsanto said its profit tripled and raised its guidance for 2013.
Alcoa's outlook, which could hint at a broader economic recovery, helped to buoy markets overseas Wednesday.
Britain's FTSE 100 rose 0.4 percent, Germany's DAX added 0.3 percent and France's CAC-40 rose 0.4 percent. In Asia, Hong Kong's Hang Seng advanced 0.5 percent.