A Peek Into The Market Before The Trading Starts

Pre-open movers US stock futures are slightly higher this morning, as investors are awaiting economic data. Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 13 points to 12,183.00, while futures on the S&P 500 index rose 1.60 points to 1,311.60. Nasdaq 100 futures climbed 6 points to 2,323.00. A Peek Into Global Markets Positive sentiment ruled the European markets today. While STOXX Europe 600 Index has gained 0.16%, London's FTSE 100 Index moved up 0.14%. Most Asian markets ended lower, with Japan's Nikkei Stock Average dropping 0.60%, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 falling 0.17% and China's Shanghai Composite gaining 0.21%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index fell 0.39%. Broker Recommendation Analysts at Goldman upgraded Alcatel-Lucent ALU from “neutral” to “buy.” The target price for ALU is set to $5.50. ALU shares gained 0.19% to close at $5.34 on Friday. Breaking news

• L & L Energy, Inc., LLEN announced today that it has entered into a contract to acquire a majority controlling interest (60%) of the DaPing coal mine. The acquisition became effective on March 15, 2011. To read the full news, click here.
• Walter Investment Management Corp. WAC earlier today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase GTCS Holdings LLC in a transaction valued at $1.065 billion. To read the full news, click here.
• Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. CALM today reported results for the third quarter ended February 26, 2011. Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 were $274.7 million compared with net sales of $271.2 million for the same quarter of fiscal 2010. To read the full news, click here.
• Dr. Reddy's Laboratories RDY has launched Levocetirizine tablets (5mg), a bioequivalent generic version of Xyzal® tablets in the US market. The United States Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) approved Dr. Reddy's ANDA for Levocetirizine tablets on February 24, 2011. To read the full news, click here.

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