A Peek Into The Markets: U.S. Stock Futures Rise; FOMC Minutes In Focus

Pre-open movers

U.S. stock futures traded higher in early pre-market trade. Data on motor vehicle sales for December will be released today. The ADP national employment report for December will be released at 8:15 a.m. ET, while the Federal Open Market Committee will issue minutes of its latest meeting at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 32 points to 19,829.00, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 index futures rose 4.25 points to 2,256.75. Futures for the Nasdaq 100 index gained 7.75 points to 4,914.00.

Oil prices traded higher as Brent crude futures gained 0.74 percent to trade at $55.88 per barrel, while US WTI crude futures also rose 0.75 percent to trade at $52.72 a barrel.

A Peek Into Global Markets

European markets were lower today, with the Spanish Ibex Index dropping 0.11 percent, STOXX Europe 600 Index falling 0.12 percent and German DAX 30 index dropping 0.30 percent. The UK's FTSE index was trading lower by 0.03 percent, while French CAC 40 Index fell 0.09 percent.

In Asian markets, Japan’s Nikkei Stock Average rose 2.51 percent, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 0.07 percent, China’s Shanghai Composite Index climbed 0.73 percent and India’s BSE Sensex slipped 0.04 percent.

Broker Recommendation

Analysts at DA Davidson downgraded J & J Snack Foods Corp JJSF from Buy to Neutral.

J & J Snack shares fell 0.47 percent to close at $132.80 on Tuesday.

Breaking news

• Coach Inc COH named Kevin G. Wills as its Chief Financial Officer.



• The Advisory Board Company ABCO announced plans to reduce workforce by 220 employees and lowered its FY16 outlook. The company also disclosed the details of a restructuring plan for its health care business and announced plans to exit certain products and services.



• DCP Midstream announced plans to merge with DCP Midstream Partners, LP DPM. The combined company will be renamed as DCP Midstream, LP.



• Acura Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ACUR reported exploration of strategic alternatives for the company.