A Peek Into The Market Before The Trading Starts

Pre-open movers US stock futures are higher this morning, as investors are awaiting economic data. Futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 80 points to 15,180.00 and S&P 500 index futures rose 7.20 points to 1,636.20. Nasdaq 100 futures gained 10.50 points to 2,990.75. A Peek Into Global Markets European markets were mostly lower today. The STOXX Europe 600 Index declined 0.04%, London's FTSE 100 index dropped 1.31%, French CAC 40 Index gained 0.51% and German DAX 30 index fell 0.02%. Asian markets ended lower, with Japan's Nikkei Stock Average declining 3.72%, China's Shanghai Composite falling 0.06% and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 index dropping 0.82%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index dipped 0.49% and India's Sensex tumbled 0.76%. Broker Recommendation Analysts at Deutsche Bank upgraded MetLife MET from “hold” to “buy.” The target price for MetLife has been raised from $46 to $51. MetLife's shares closed at $44.21 on Friday. Breaking news

• Ohr Pharmaceutical OHRP today announced a 1-for-3 reverse split of the Company's issued and outstanding common stock. To read the full news, click here.
• Universal Stainless & Alloy Products USAP announced today that Michael D. Bornak has been named Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company effective June 3, 2013. To read the full news, click here.
• MAA MAA and Colonial Properties Trust CLP today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which MAA and Colonial Properties Trust will merge, creating a Sunbelt-focused, publicly traded, multifamily REIT with enhanced capabilities to deliver superior value for residents, shareholders and employees. To read the full news, click here.
• AECOM Technology ACM, announced today that it has been selected to provide design consultancy and construction supervision services for the Al Wakrah Stadium and Precinct for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™. To read the full news, click here.