A Peek Into The Market Before The Trading Starts

Pre-open movers US stock futures are higher this morning, as investors are awaiting ADP employment data. Futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 51 points to 12,276.00, and those for the S&P 500 index gained 6.20 points to 1,322.70. Futures for the Nasdaq 100 index added 16.50 points to 2,339.00. A Peek Into Global Markets Positive sentiment ruled the European markets today. While STOXX Europe 600 Index has gained 0.79%, London's FTSE 100 Index moved up 0.50%. Most Asian markets ended higher, with Japan's Nikkei Stock Average surging 2.64%, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 gaining 1.27% and China's Shanghai Composite falling 0.08%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index climbed 1.70% and India's Sensex surged 169.38 points. Broker Recommendation Analysts at Needham downgraded Dell Inc DELL from “buy” to “hold.” DELL shares fell 0.14% to close at $14.77 yesterday. Breaking news

• Family Dollar Stores, Inc. FDO today reported that net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2011 ended February 26, 2011, increased 9.8% to $123.2 million compared with net income of $112.2 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2010. To read the full news, click here.
• Salesforce.com CRM today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Radian6 for approximately $276 million in cash and $50 million in stock, net of cash acquired. To read the full news, click here.
• Dr. Reddy's Laboratories RDY today announced the completion of the acquisition of GlaxoSmithKline's GSK United States oral penicillin facility and product portfolio pursuant to the agreement signed and announced by the companies on Nov 23, 2010. To read the full news, click here.
• Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ALXN announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a two-for-one stock split. To read the full news, click here.

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