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 71 points to 12,285, while those for the S&P 500 index gained 5.50 points to 1,332. Futures for the Nasdaq 100 index climbed 13.50 points to 2,364. A Peek Into Global Markets European markets were higher today. While STOXX Europe 600 Index has gained 0.25%, London's FTSE 100 Index moved up 0.05%. Most Asian markets ended higher, with Japan's Nikkei Stock Average gaining 1.22%, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 dropping 0.07% and China's Shanghai Composite gaining 0.47%. India's Sensex jumped 3.5%, driven by automobile companies. Broker Recommendation Dahlman Rose is out with a research report this morning, where it reiterates its Hold rating on Cloud Peak Energy CLD. The DR analysts cited the company's recent update to its 2011 guidance, noting that volume, price and cost forecasts came in on the weak side of what they had been anticipating. The analysts said that, since November the company has contracted 6MM tons for the year at what appears to be pricing in line with that achieved during 3Q. As for valuation, the analysts remarked, “Cloud peak remains one of the more unhedged PRB names in 2011, leaving some potential upside in a rising price environment. However, we feel CLD shares are fully valued at current levels and are maintaining our Hold rating.” Breaking news

• HiSoft Technology HSFT reported its Q4 adjusted EPS at $0.21, beating the consensus of $0.13. To read the full news, click here.
• AutoZone Inc AZO reported its Q2 EPS at $3.34, versus the consensus of $3.05. To read the full news, click here.
• Bridgepoint Education BPI announced today the results for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2010. To read the full news, click here.
• Boyd Gaming BYD reported a Q4 loss at $0.05 per share, versus the expected loss of $0.05 per share. To read the full news, click here.

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