Wall Street Ends Higher On Greece Hope, DryShips (NASDAQ:DRYS) Soars

US stocks finished higher as investors sighed with relief at hopes for a new plan to deal with Greece's debt crisis.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 128.21 points, or 1.03%, to finish at 12,569.79. The S&P 500 added 14.10 points, or 1.06%, to close at 1,345.20. The Nasdaq Composite climbed 38.44 points, or 1.37%, to 2,835.30.

According to the closely watched S&P Case-Shiller Index, home prices slid 4.2% in the first quarter, sending home prices back to levels not seen since mid-2002.

The Chicago Purchasing Managers index declined more than expected to 56.6 in May, from 67.6 the previous month. Economists were expecting the figure to drop to 62.5.

The Conference Board's consumer sentiment index slumped to 60.8 in May, from 65.4 in April. Economists expected consumer confidence to rise to 66.3.

Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday reported that Germany is shifting its stance to consider lending more money to Greece.

Shares of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) rallied $10.42, or 3.09%, to $347.83 after the company said that Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs will address an annual conference on June 6 to unveil a service that lets users store content online and tout a new version of the software that runs the iPad and iPhone.

Nokia Corp. (NYSE: NOK) slumped $1.18, or 14.39%, to $7.02 after the company lowered its second-quarter sales forecast citing lower than expected selling prices and volumes.

Shares of DryShips, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRYS) surged 33 cents, or 8.71%, to close at $4.06.

European stocks closed up. The UK FTSE rose 51.12 points, or 0.86% to 5,989.99. The German DAX and French CAC increased 1.86% and 1.63% respectively.

Asian stocks finished higher. The Nikkei 225 rose 188.76 points, or 1.99%, to 9,693.73. The Hang Seng index of Hong Kong rallied 499.81 points, or 2.16%, to 23,684.13.

Full Disclosure: None.

US Stock Futures Drop After Data, Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM) Eyed

US stock-index futures dropped on Monday after data showed that manufacturing activity in the New York region expanding at a much slower pace in May than in the preceding month.

At 8:43 am ET, the S&P 500 futures declined 4.20 points to 1,329.80. The Dow Jones Industrial average futures decreased 36 points to 12,520. The Nasdaq Composite futures dropped 3 points to 2,367.

The New York Fed reported Monday that its Empire State manufacturing index dropped to 11.9 in May from 21.7 in April. Economists expected the index to drop to 18 in May.

J.C. Penney Co. (NYSE: JCP) reported Monday that its fiscal first-quarter profit climbed to $64 million, or 28 cents a share, from $60 million, or 25 cents, in the prior-year quarter. Revenue increased 0.4% to $3.94 billion from $3.93 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 25 cents per share on revenue of $3.95 billion.

Shares of Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM) edged higher in Monday's pre-market tradig after BMO Capital upgraded its rating on the company to Outperform from Market Perform citing chipset share gains, and better smartphone units and ASPs. The firm raised its price target on the stock to $69 from $61. 

On the economic front, the National Association of Homebuilders is scheduled to release its housing market index for May. 

European stocks retreated in afternoon trade. At 13:46 pm London Time, the UK FTSE fell 45.23 points, or 0.76%, to 5,880.64. The German DAX and French CAC decreased 1.23% and 1.38% respectively.

Asian stocks finished lower. The Nikkei 225 fell 90.47 points, or 0.94%, to 9,558.30. The Hang Seng index of Hong Kong dropped 315.64 points, or 1.36%, to 22,960.63.

Full Disclosure: None.

US Stock Futures Climb After Economic Data, Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) Eyed

US stock-index futures advanced on Tuesday after a government report showed that import prices rose 2.2% in April.

At 8:30 am ET, the S&P 500 futures rose 6.80 points to 1,349.50. The Dow Jones Industrial average futures rallied 58 points to 12,689. The Nasdaq Composite futures climbed 13.75 points to 2,400.25.

The Labor Department reported Tuesday that U.S. import prices rose 2.2% in April. Economists had expected import prices to increase by 1.6% last month. 

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) on Tuesday announced that it has agreed to acquire Skype Global S.a r.l for $8.5 billion in cash from the investor group led by Silver Lake. The company said that Skype will support Microsoft devices like Xbox and Kinect, Windows Phone and a wide array of Windows devices, and Microsoft will connect Skype users with Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live and other communities.

Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported that search giant Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) is supposedly entering the music cloud business.

On the earnings front, Dow component Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) will report after the closing bell Tuesday. Analysts, on average, expect the company to report earnings of 56 cents per share on revenue of $9.13 billion. In the year ago quarter, the company reported earnings of 48 cents per share on revenue of $8.58 billion.

On Tuesday, China's General Administration of Customs announced that China's monthly trade rose $11.43 billion surplus in April from $1.68 billion surplus recorded in the same month last year.

European stocks advanced in afternoon trade. At 13:24 pm London Time, the UK FTSE rose 74.11 points, or 1.25%, to 6,016.80. The German DAX and French CAC increased 1.43% and 1.42% respectively.

Asian stocks finished higher. The Nikkei 225 rose 24.38 points, or 0.25%, to 9,818.76. 

Full Disclosure: None.

US Stock Futures Point To Higher Open, Citigroup (NYSE: C) Eyed

US stock-index futures rose on Monday as investors welcomed a rebound in gold and silver prices.

At 8:21 am ET, the S&P 500 futures rose 3 points to 1,337.60. The Dow Jones Industrial average futures increased 35 points to 12,604. The Nasdaq Composite futures climbed 11 points to 2,384.50.

On Monday, Citigroup's (NYSE: C) shares started trading on a split-adjusted basis after its 1-for-10 reverse stock split. Commenting on the reverse stock split and reinstatement of a quarterly common stock dividend CEO Vikram Pandit said, "Taken together, we believe these actions will reduce volatility while broadening the base of potential investors. Now that we have established consistent profitability, we are working towards our next goal of responsible growth."

McDonald's Corp. (NYSE: MCD) said Monday that its April global comparable sales climbed 6%. Sales in the U.S. rose 4%; up 6.5% in Europe; and increased 6.5% in Asia, Middle East and Africa.

Tyson Foods Inc. (NYSE: TSN) said Monday that its fiscal second-quarter earnings were flat at $159 million, or 42 cents a share, when compared to the year-ago period. Sales climbed 15.7% to $8 billion from $6.92 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 43 cents per share on revenue of $7.52 billion.

Meanwhile, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services on Monday cut Greece's long-term sovereign credit rating to B from BB- due to concerns euro-zone officials are looking to extend the debt payment maturities of the European Commission's portion of the nation's 110 billion euro bailout. 

European stocks retreated in afternoon trade. At 13:40 pm London Time, the UK FTSE fell 47.05 points, or 0.79%, to 5,929.72. The German DAX and French CAC decreased 1.30% and 1.33% respectively.

Asian stocks finished mixed. The Nikkei 225 fell 64.82 points, or 0.66%, to 9,794.38. The Hang Seng index of Hong Kong climbed 176.86 points, or 0.76%, to 23,336.

Full Disclosure: None.

US Stock Futures Drop As Jobless Claims Jump, McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) Eyed

US stock-index futures dropped on Thursday after a government report showed that jobless claims jumped 43,000 to 474,000 in the latest week .

At 8:31 am ET, the S&P 500 futures rose 0.20 points to 1,352.30. The Dow Jones Industrial average futures increased 1 point to 12,750. The Nasdaq Composite futures slipped 3.25 points to 2,386.50.

A release by Department of Labor on Thursday showed that number of Americans filing first- time claims for unemployment benefits rose 43,000 to 474,000 in the week ending April 30. Economists expected jobless claims to drop to 412,000. The four-week average of seasonally adjusted initial jobless claims, a less volatile gauge, increased 22,250 to 431,250. Continuing claims for the week ending April 23 rose 74,000 to 3.73 million.

Shares of McDonald's Inc. (NYSE: MCD) retreated in Thursday's pre-market trading after Piper Jaffray downgraded its rating on the company to Neutral from Overweight. The firm lowered its price target on the stock to $85 from $91. 

General Motors Co. (NYSE: GM) said Thursday that its first-quarter profit surged to $3.2 billion, or $1.77 a share, from $865 million, or 55 cents a share, in the year-earlier quarter. The latest results included special items that increased earnings by 82 cents a share. Revenue climbed to $36.2 billion from $31.5 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 91 cents per share on revenue of $35.59 billion. 

NRG Energy Inc. (NYSE: NRG) reported Thursday that it swung to a first-quarter loss of $260 million, or $1.06 a share, from a profit of $58 million, or 22 cents a share, in the year-ago quarter. The latest results included a charge of $481 million related to NRG's impairment of all of the net assets of Nuclear Innovation North America, the company's joint venture with Toshiba American Nuclear Energy Corp. Total operating revenues declined to $2 billion from $2.22 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 11 cents per share on revenue of $2.31 billion. 

Cigna Corp., (NYSE: CI) reported Thursday that its first-quarter profit climbed 52% to $429 million, or $1.57 a share, from $283 million, or $1.02, in the year-ago quarter. On an adjusted basis, the company earned $1.37 a share in the latest quarter. Revenue rose 4% to $5.41 billion from $5.21 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of $1.09 a share on revenue of $5.49 billion.

Meanwhile, the European Central Bank and the Bank of England both left their key interest rates unchanged, as was widely expected.

European stocks retreated in afternoon trade. At 13:34 pm London Time, the UK FTSE fell 46.27 points, or 0.77%, to 5,937.80. The German DAX and French CAC decreased 0.65% and 1.11% respectively.

Asian stocks finished lower. The Hang Seng index of Hong Kong declined 53.63 points, or 0.23%, to 23,261.61.

Full Disclosure: None.

US Stock Futures Point To Mixed Open, Citigroup (NYSE: C) Eyed

US stock-index futures pointed to a mixed open on Wednesday as investors turned cautious amid speculation that the European and Chinese central banks are weighing rate increases.

At 8:31 am ET, the S&P 500 futures rose 0.20 points to 1,352.30. The Dow Jones Industrial average futures increased 1 point to 12,750. The Nasdaq Composite futures slipped 3.25 points to 2,386.50.

ADP survey on Wednesday reported that a total of 179,000 private-sector jobs were added in April. Economists had projected a rise of 200,000 private sector jobs.

UBS on Wednesday intiated rating on Citigroup (NYSE: C) with a Buy rating and a price target of $5.60. Citigroup shares rose nearly 0.55% in pre-market trading.

Kellogg Co. (NYSE: K) reported that its first quarter profit slipped to $366 million, or $1 per share, from $418 million, or $1.09 per share, in the year-earlier period. Revenue grew to $3.5 billion from $3.3 billion in the previous year period. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of $1.03 per share on revenue of $3.40 billion. Looking ahead, the company said that it continues to expect earnings per share in the range of $3.33 to $3.40. Using forward rates as of April 29, 2011, the company estimates a $0.09 foreign exchange benefit, which would result in reported 2011 earnings per share guidance in the range of $3.42 to $3.49.

Agrium, Inc. (NYSE: AGU) reported Wednesday that it swung to a first quarter profit of $171 million or $1.09 per share, compared to a net loss of $1 million or 1 cent per share in the prior-year quarter. On an adjusted basis, the company reported earnings of $1.03 per share in the latest quarter. Revenue jumped 60 percent to $2.95 billion from $1.85 billion in the same quarter last year. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 91 cents per share on revenue of $2.33 billion. 

Walgreen Co. (NYSE: WAG) said Wednesday that its sales rose 5.5% to $5.99 billion in April  from $5.68 billion for the same month in 2010. Duane Reade stores, acquired in April 2010, contributed 0.7 percentage point to the total sales increase for the month.

European stocks retreated in afternoon trade. At 13:02 pm London Time, the UK FTSE fell 59.83 points, or 0.98%, to 6,023.05. The German DAX and French CAC decreased 0.35% and 0.26% respectively.

Asian stocks finished lower. The Hang Seng index of Hong Kong declined 318.01 points, or 1.35%, to 23,315.24.

Full Disclosure: None.

US Stock Futures Drop As Dollar Climbs, YRC Worldwide (NASDAQ: YRCW) Eyed

US stock-index futures dropped on Tuesday as a stronger dollar pressured commodity prices. 

At 8:31 am ET, the S&P 500 futures rose 2.70 points to 1,357.60. The Dow Jones Industrial average futures increased 23 points to 12,731. The Nasdaq Composite futures climbed 2.25 points to 2,404.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) said that its first-quarter net income rose to $2.22 billion, or 28 cents per share, from $2.03 billion, or 25 cents per share, in the year-ago quarter. On an adjusted basis, the company earned 60 cents per share in the latest quarter. Revenue dropped slightly to $16.5 billion, from $16.6 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the drug maker to earn 58 cents a share on revenue of $16.6 billion.

Sirius XM Radio Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRI) reported Thursday that its first-quarter net income was $78.12 million, up from the year-ago quarter's $41.6 million. Earnings per share remained flat at 1 cent. Revenue rose to $723.84 million from $663.78 million in the same quarter last year. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 1 cent per share on revenue of $736.34 million. 

MetroPCS Communications Inc. (NYSE: PCS) reported that its first-quarter net income surged to $56.4 million, or 15 cents a share, from $22.7 million, or 6 cents, in the year-ago quarter. Revenue rose to $1.19 billion from $970.5 million. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 19 cents a share on revenue of $1.13 billion.

Shares of YRC Worldwide Inc. (NASDAQ: YRCW) slumped more than 6% after Stephens downgraded its rating on the company to Underweight from Equal Weight citing the company's dilution from its restructuring plan and Fitch's downgrade to Nearly Default status.

On the economic front, the Commerce Department will release data on March factory orders at 10:00 pm ET. 

European stocks retreated in afternoon trade. At 14:01 pm London Time, the UK FTSE fell 4.61 points, or 0.08%, to 6,065.29. The German DAX and French CAC decreased 0.70% and 0.50% respectively.

Asian stocks finished mixed. The Nikkei 225 rose 154.46 points, or 1.61%, to 10,004.20. The Hang Seng index of Hong Kong declined 87.56 points, or 0.37%, to 23,633.25.

Full Disclosure: None.

US Stock Futures Rise After Spending Data, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) Eyed

US stock-index futures advanced on Friday afte strong quarterly results from Caterpillar and Merck lifted investor sentiment. 

At 8:31 am ET, the S&P 500 futures rose 2.70 points to 1,357.60. The Dow Jones Industrial average futures increased 23 points to 12,731. The Nasdaq Composite futures climbed 2.25 points to 2,404.

A release by Commerce Department showed that US consumer spending, which accounts for nearly two third of the economy, increased 0.6% in March. Personal income increased 0.5% in March. 

After Thursday's closing bell, Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) reported that its fiscal third-quarter profit rose to $5.2 billion, or 61 cents a share, from $4 billion, or 45 cents a share, in the year-earlier quarter. Revenue climbed 13% to $16.43 billion from $14.5 billion in the same quarter last year. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 56 cents per share on revenue of $16.19 billion. Microsoft shares dropped nearly1.90% in Friday's pre-market trading. 

Chevron Corp. (NYSE: CVX) said Friday that its first-quarter profit rose to $6.2 billion, or $3.09 per share, from $4.6 billion, or $2.27 per share, in the prior-year quarter. Revenue rose to $58 billion from $47 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of $3.04 per share on revenue of $66.62 billion.

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) reported Friday that its first-quarter profit climbed to $1.23 billion, or $1.84 a share, from $233 million, or 36 cents a share, in the year-earlier quarter. Revenue grew to $12.95 billion from $8.24 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of $1.30 a share on revenue of $11.4 billion.

Merck & Co. (NYSE: MRK) said Friday that its first-quarter net income more than tripled to $1.04 billion, or 34 cents a share, from $299 million, or 9 cents a share, in the year-earlier quarter. On an adjusted basis, the company earned 92 cents a share in the latest quarter. Revenue grew 1% to $11.58 billion from $11.42 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 84 cents per share on revenue of $11.37 billion.  

European stocks were little changed in afternoon trade. At 13:42 pm London Time, the UK FTSE rose 1.74 points, or 0.03%, to 6,069.90. The German DAX increased 0.35% while French CAC slipped 0.05%.

Full Disclosure: None.

US Stock Futures Drop After Disappointing Data, Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU) Eyed

US stock-index futures slipped on Thursday as weaker-than-expected economic data dampened investor sentiment. 

At 8:15 am ET, the S&P 500 futures fell 1.50 points to 1,349.50. The Dow Jones Industrial average futures decreased 11 points to 12,630. The Nasdaq Composite futures slipped 4 points to 2,405.

The Commerce Department reported Thursday that real gross domestic product rose at a 1.8% annualized rate in the first quarter, down from a 3.1% increase in the fourth quarter. 

A release by Department of Labor on Thursday showed that number of Americans filing first- time claims for unemployment benefits rose 25,000 to 429,000 in the week ending April 23. Economists expected jobless claims to drop to 395,000. The four-week average of seasonally adjusted initial jobless claims, a less volatile gauge, increased 9,250 to 408,500. Continuing claims for the week ending April 16 fell 68,000 to 3.64 million.

Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) said Thursday that its first-quarter profit jumped 69% to  $10.65 billion, or $2.14 a share, from $6.3 billion, or $1.33 a share, in the year-earlier quarter. Revenue climbed to $114 billion from $90.3 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of $2.04 a share on revenue of $112.6 billion.

Procter & Gamble Co. (NYSE: PG) said Thursday that its third-quarter profit climbed to $2.87 billion, or 96 cents a share, from $2.59 billion, or 83 cents a share, in the year-ago quarter.The company said its core earnings rose 8% to 96 cents a share. Revenue grew 5% to $20.23 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 97 cents a share on revenue of $20.24 billion.

Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S) reported Thursday that its first-quarter loss narrowed to $439 million, or 15 cents a share, from $865 million, or 29 cents, in the year-ago quarter. Revenue climbed to $8.31 billion from $8.09 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report a loss of 22 cents a share on revenue of $8.2 billion.

Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU) said late Wednesday that its first-quarter profit jumped to $163.5 million, or 47 cents per American Depository Share, from $70.4 million or $2.10 per share before a 10-for-1 stock split a year ago. Revenue surged to  $372 million from $189.60 million. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 45 cent per share on revenue of $367.38 million.

European stocks were mixed in afternoon trade. At 13:38 pm London Time, the UK FTSE fell 8.71 points, or 0.14%, to 6,059.45. The German DAX and French CAC increased 0.46% and 0.44% respectively.

Asian stocks finished mixed. The Nikkei 225 rose 157.90 points, or 1.63%, to 9,849.74. The Hang Seng index of Hong Kong declined 87.21 points, or 0.36%, to 23,805.63.

Full Disclosure: None.

US Stock Futures Rise Ahead Of Fed Decision, First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) Eyed

US stock-index futures climbed on Wednesday as investors cheered better-than-expected corporate earnings. 

At 8:15 am ET, the S&P 500 futures rose 4 points to 1,341.20. The Dow Jones Industrial average futures increased 30 points to 12,526. The Nasdaq Composite futures advanced 13 points to 2,397.75.

The commerce Department reported Wednesday that orders for durable goods rose 2.5% in March. Economists had projected a rise of 2.5%.

Shares of First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR) rallied more than 2% in Wednesday's pre-market trading after Kaufman Bros. upgraded its rating on the company to Buy from Hold citing valuation, geographic diversity, and likely strong guidance on the Q1 report. 

Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA) reported Wednesday that its first-quarter rose to $0.59 billion, or 78 cents per share, from $0.52 billion or 70 cents per share, in the year-earlier quarter. Reenue declined to $14.91 billion from $15.22 billion in the comparable period a year ago. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 72 cents per share on revenue of $15.13 billion. 

BP PLC (NYSE: BP) said Wednesday that its first quarter profit rose to $7.12 billion, or $37.42 a share, from $6.08 billion, or $31.99 a share, in the year-earlier quarter. Excluding inventory holding gains, replacement cost profit slipped to $5.48 billion or 29.13 cents per share from $5.6 billion or 29.82 cents per share. Such gains were $1.6 billion in the first quarter, compared to $481 million last year.In terms of American Depository Receipt or ADR, replacement cost profit slipped to $1.75 from $1.79. Revenue jumped to $88.31 billion from last year's $74.42 million.  Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of $1.89 per share on revenue of $71.40 billion.

Corning Inc. (NYSE: GLW) reported Wednesday that its first-quarter profit dropped to $748 million, or 47 cents a share, from $816 million, or 52 cents, in the year-ago quarter. Revenue rose 24% to $1.92 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 44 cents on revenue of $1.87 billion. Gross margin fell to 45.4% from 47.1%.

On the economic front, the Conference Board will release its Consumer Confidence index for April shortly after the opening bell. Economists expect index to rose to 64.4 from 63.4 in March.

On the economic front, the Federal Open Market Committee will release a statement on interest rate policy at 12:30 p.m. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke will hold media briefing at 2:15 p.m.

European stocks rose in afternoon trade. At 13:24 pm London Time, the UK FTSE rose 12.47 points, or 0.21%, to 6,081.83. The German DAX and French CAC increased 0.74% and 0.68% respectively.

Asian stocks finished mixed. The Nikkei 225 rose 133.15 points, or 1.39%, to 9,691.84. The Hang Seng index of Hong Kong declined 114.54 points, or 0.48%, to 23,892.84.

Full Disclosure: None.

US Stock Futures Rise On Strong Earnings, Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) Eyed

US stock-index futures rose on Tuesday as investors digested another round of earnings reports, and awaited reports on housing and consumer confidence. 

At 8:30 am ET, the S&P 500 futures rose 5.50 points to 1,336.30. The Dow Jones Industrial average futures increased 40 points to 12,467. The Nasdaq Composite futures advanced 8.50 points to 2,386.

Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE: KO) reported Tuesday that its first-quarter profit rose to $1.9 billion, or 82 cents a share, from $1.61 billion, or 69 cents, in the prior-year quarter. On an adjusted basis, the company earned 86 cents a share in the latest quarter.Revenue rose 40% to $10.52 billion.  Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 87 cents per share on revenue of $10.54 billion. 

Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) said Tuesday that its first-quarter profit climbed to $2.6 billion, or 61 cents a share, from $2.1 billion, or 50 cents a share, in the year-earlier quarter. On an adjusted basis, the company earned 62 cents a share in the latest quarter. Total company revenues rose to $33.1 billion from prior-year quarter's $28.1 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 50 cents per share on revenue of $30.64 billion.

Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), the largest online retailer, is scheduled to release its first-quarter earnings after the closing bell on Tuesday, April 26, 2011. Analysts, on average, expect the company to report earnings of 61 cents per share on revenue of $9.52 billion. In the year ago period, the company reported earnings of 66 cents per share on revenue of $7.13 billion.

On the economic front, the Conference Board will release its Consumer Confidence index for April shortly after the opening bell. Economists expect index to rose to 64.4 from 63.4 in March.

European stocks rose in afternoon trade. At 13:52 pm London Time, the UK FTSE rose 29.11 points, or 0.48%, to 6,047.41. The German DAX and French CAC increased 0.51% and 0.26% respectively.

Asian stocks finished lower. The Nikkei 225 fell 113.27 points, or 1.17%, to 9,558.69. The Hang Seng index of Hong Kong declined 130.93 points, or 0.54%, to 24,007.38.

Full Disclosure: None.

US Stock Futures Rise On Earnings Optimism, Yahoo (NASDAQ: YHOO) Eyed

US stock-index futures rose on Monday as investors continued to focus on earnings reports. 

At 8:32 am ET, the S&P 500 futures rose 1.90 points to 1,332.90. The Dow Jones Industrial average futures increased 27 points to 12,461. The Nasdaq Composite futures advanced 3.50 points to 2,379.

Shares of Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ: YHOO) rose more than 2% in Monday's pre-market trading after the Wall Street Journal reported that several board members at the owner of most-visited U.S. Web portal are willing to consider offers or other ideas to improve the company.

International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) reported late Thursday that its fiscal second-quarter profit rose to $69.6 million, or 23 cents a share, from $25.7 million, or 8 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue climbed to $492.3 million from $486.8 million last year.

Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) is scheduled to release its first-quarter earnings after the closing bell on Monday, April 25, 2011. Analysts, on average, expect the company to report earnings of $1.08 per share on revenue of $703.60 million. In the year ago period, the company reported earnings of 59 cents per share on revenue of $493.66 million.

On the economic front, new home sales data will be released at 10:00 am ET. Economists expect new home sales rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 280,000 units in March from a 250,000-unit rate in February.

European stocks were mixed in afternoon trade. At 13:38 pm London Time, the UK FTSE fell 3.96 points, or 0.07%, to 6,018.30. The German DAX and French CAC increased 0.64% and 0.43% respectively.

Asian stocks finished lower. The Nikkei 225 fell 10.25 points, or 0.11%, to 9,671.96. 

Full Disclosure: None.

US Stock Futures Rise As Jobless Claims Fall, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) Eyed

US stock-index futures rose on Thursday after Apple reported quarterly results that blew past estimates.

At 8:09 am ET, the S&P 500 futures rose 7.40 points to 1,335.70. The Dow Jones Industrial average futures increased 56 points to 12,452. The Nasdaq Composite futures advanced 25.25 points to 2,380.25.

A release by Department of Labor on Thursday showed number of Americans filing first- time claims for unemployment benefits dropped 13,000 to 403,000 in the week ending April 16. Economists expected jobless claims to drop to 380,000. The four-week average of seasonally adjusted initial jobless claims, a less volatile gauge, increased 2,250 to 399,000. Continuing claims for the week ending April 9 fell 7,000 to 3.70 million.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) reported late Wednesday that its fiscal second quarter profit jumped to $5.99 billion, or $6.40 per share, from $3.07 billion, or $3.33 a share, in the year-earlier quarter. Revenue surged to $24.67 billion from $13.50 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of $5.35 per share on revenue of $23.27 billion.

General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE) reported Thursday that its first-quarter net profit climbed to $3.43 billion, or 31 cents a share, from $1.95 billion, or 17 cents a share, in the year-ago quarter. On an adjusted basis, the company earned 33 cents a share. Revenue increased 6% to $38.4 billion from $36.20 billion. Analysts, on average, had expected the company to report earnings of 28 cents on revenue of $34.64 billion.

McDonald's Corp (NYSE: MCD) reported Thursday that its first-quarter profit rose to $1.21 billion, or $1.15 per share, from $1.09 billion, or $1.00 per share, in the year-ago period. Revenue increased 9% to $6.1 billion from $5.6 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of $1.14 per share on revenue of $6 billion.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) reported Thursday that its first-quarter profit dropped to$968 million, or 50 cents a share, from a profit of $1.78 billion, or 99 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue declined 16% to $7.64 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 42 cents per share on revenue of $7.88 billion.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) reported Thursday that its first-quarter profit rose to $1.44 billion, or 51 cents a share, from a profit of $443 million, or 16 cents a share, in the year-ago period. On an adjusted basis, the company earned 48 cents a share in the latest quarter. Revenue climbed to $27 billion from $26.91 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 50 cents per share on revenue of $26.89 billion.

European stocks advanced in afternoon trade. At 13:18 pm London Time, the UK FTSE rose 12.73 points, or 0.21%, to 6,034.99. The German DAX and French CAC increased 0.85% and 0.64% respectively.

Asian stocks finished higher. The Nikkei 225 rose 78.95 points, or 0.82%, to 9,685.77. The Hang Seng index of Hong Kong climbed 242.21 points, or 1.01%, to 24,138.31.

Full Disclosure: None.

US Stock Futures Advance On Upbeat Earnings, Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) Eyed

US stock-index futures advanced on Tuesday as better-than-expected corporate earnings boosted investor confidence.

At 8:18 am ET, the S&P 500 futures rose 1.70 points to 1,302.80. The Dow Jones Industrial average futures increased 28 points to 12,168. The Nasdaq Composite futures advanced 3 points to 2,293.

The Commerce Department reported Tuesday that housing starts rose 7.2% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 549,000. Building Permits climbed 11.2% to annual rate of 694,000. Economists expected housing starts to increase to an annual rate of 520,000.

Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC) is scheduled to release its first-quarter earnings after the closing bell on Tuesday, April 19, 2011. Analysts, on average, expect the company to report earnings of 46 cents per share on revenue of $11.60 billion. In the year ago period, the company reported earnings of 43 cents per share on revenue of $10.30 billion.

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS) said Tuesday that its first quarter profit dropped to $2.7 billion, or $1.56 per share , from $3.3 billion, or $5.59 a share, in the year-earlier quarter. Excluding the preferred dividend of $1.64 billion related to the redemption of the firm's Series G Preferred Stock, earnings per share were $4.38 for the first quarter of 2011. Revenue declined to $11.89 billion from $12.78 billion.  Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 82 cents per share on revenue of $10.18 billion. 

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) said Tuesday that its first quarter profit dropped to $3.5 billion, or $1.25 from $4.53 billion, or $1.62 per share, in the year-earlier quarter. On an adjusted basis, the company earned $1.35 a share in the latest quarter. Revenue rose to $16.2 billion from $15.63 billion.  Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of $1.26 per share on revenue of $15.83 billion.  The company raised its earnings guidance for full-year 2011 to $4.90 to $5.00 per share, reflecting both currency exchange rate changes and recent developments in the business.

Seagate Technology Plc (NYSE: STX) said Tuesday that its fiscal third-quarter profit dropped to $93 million, or 21 cents a share, from $518 million, or $1 a share, in the year-earlier quarter. On an adjusted basis, the company earned 25 cents a share in the latest quarter.  Revenue decreased to $2.70 billion from $3.05 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 27 cents per share on revenue of $2.66 billion.

Harley-Davidson Inc. (NYSE: HOG) reported Tuesday that its first-quarter profit surged to $119.3 million, or 51 cents a share, from $33.3 million, or 14 cents a share, in the year-earlier quarter. Revenue rose to $1.06 billion from $1.04 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 53 cents per share on revenue of $1.05 billion.

After Monday's closing bell, Texas Instruments Inc. (NYSE: TXN) reported late Monday that its first quarter net income rose 1% to $666 million or 55 cents per share, from $658 million, or 52 cents a share, in the year-ago quarter. The chipmaker said the earnings were impacted by about 2 cents a share due to the Japan earthquake.Revenue climbed to $3.39 billion from $3.20 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 58 cents per share on revenue of $3.40 billion. 

European stocks advanced in afternoon trade. At 13:26 pm London Time, the UK FTSE rose 39.98 points, or 0.68%, to 5,910.06. The German DAX and French CAC increased 0.52% and 0.83% respectively.

Asian stocks finished lower. The Nikkei 225 fell 115.62 points, or 1.21%, to 9,441.03. The Hang Seng index of Hong Kong declined 309.69 points, or 1.30%, to 23,520.62.

Full Disclosure: None.

US Stock Futures Fall On Economic Worries, Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) Eyed

US stock-index futures dropped on Monday as renwed worries European sovereign-debt dented investor optimism.

At 8:32 am ET, the S&P 500 futures fell 7.90 points to 1,310.80. The Dow Jones Industrial average futures decreased 62 points to 12,241. The Nasdaq Composite futures dropped 13.25 points to 2,296.50.

Citigroup, Inc. (NYSE: C) reported Monday that its first quarter profit dropped to $3 billion, or 10 cents per share, from $4.43 billion, or 13 cents per share, in the year ago quarter. Revenue dropped to $19.7 billion from $25.4 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 35 cents per share on revenue of $6.29 billion.

Eli Lilly & Co., (NYSE: LLY) reported that its first-quarter net income slipped 15% to $1.06 billion, or 95 cents a share, from $1.25 billion, or $1.13, in the year-earlier quarter. On an adjusted basis, the company earned $1.24 in the latest quarter. Revenue rose to $5.84 billion from $5.49 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of $1.16 per share on revenue of $5.70 billion.

Halliburton Co. (NYSE: HAL) said Monday that its  first-quarter net income rose to $511 million or $0.56 per share from $206 million or $0.23 per share last year. The first quarter of 2010 results were negatively impacted by $41 million, or $0.05 per share, associated with the devaluation of the Venezuelan Bolívar Fuerte. On an adjusted basis, the compay earned $0. 61 per share in the latest quarter. Revenue jumped to $5.28 billion from $3.76 billion in the first quarter of 2010. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 59 cents per share on revenue of $4.92 billion.

Texas Instruments Inc. (NYSE: TXN), the world's second largest maker of mobile phone chips, is scheduled to release its first-quarter earnings after the closing bell on Monday, April 18, 2011. Analysts, on average, expect the company to report earnings of 58 cents per share on revenue of $3.40 billion. In the year ago quarter, the company reported earnings of 52 cents per share on revenue of $3.20 billion.

On the economic front, the National Association of Home Builders will release its Housing Market Index at 10 a.m.

European stocks retreated in afternoon trade. At 13:52 pm London Time, the UK FTSE declined 55.11 points, or 0.92%, to 5,940.90. The German DAX and French CAC decreased 0.92% and 1.38% respectively.

Asian stocks finished lower. The Nikkei 225 fell 34.87 points, or 0.36%, to 9,556.35. The Hang Seng index of Hong Kong declined 177.76 points, or 0.74%, to 23,830.31.

Full Disclosure: None.

US Stock Futures Drop After Earnings Disappoint, Bank of America Corp. (NYSE: BAC) Eyed

US stock-index futures declined on Friday as weaker-than-expected corporate earnings dented investor confidence.

At 8:39 am ET, the S&P 500 futures fell 5.10 points to 1,303.60. The Dow Jones Industrial average futures decreased 44 points to 12,155. The Nasdaq Composite futures dropped 13.50 points to 2,295.

The New York Fed said Friday that the Empire State manufacturing survey rose in April for the five consecutive month, with general business conditions rising over four points to 21.7, the best level in a year.

Bank of America Corp. (NYSE: BAC) reported Friday that its first quarter net income dropped 37.5% to $2.0 billion, or 17 cents per share, from $3.2 billion, or 28 cents per share ,in the year-ago quarter. Total revenue, net of interest expense, FTE basis for the quarter dropped to $27.09 billion versus $32.29 billion in the prior-year quarter. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of 28 cents per share on revenue of $27.08 billion. 

After Thursday's closing bell, Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) reported that its first quarter net income rose to $2.30 billion or $7.04 per share, from $1.96 billion or $6.06 per share in the fourth quarter last year. On an adjusted basis, the company earned $8.08 a share in the second quarter. Revenue rose 27% to $8.58 billion from $6.78 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of $8.13 per share on revenue of $6.44 billion.

European stocks were little changed in afternoon trade. At 13:36 pm London Time, the UK FTSE rose 4.01 points, or 0.07%, to 5,967.81. The German DAX climbed 0.25% while French CAC decreased 0.42%.

Asian stocks finished lower. The Nikkei 225 fell 62.40 points, or 0.65%, to 9,591.52. The Hang Seng index of Hong Kong declined 5.93 points, or 0.02%, to 24,008.07.

Full Disclosure: None.

US Stock Futures Drop As Initial Claims Rise, Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) Eyed

US stock-index futures dropped on Thursday after a government report showed that intial claims jumped 27,000 to 412,000 in the latest week.

At 8:39 am ET, the S&P 500 futures fell 5.10 points to 1,303.60. The Dow Jones Industrial average futures decreased 44 points to 12,155. The Nasdaq Composite futures dropped 13.50 points to 2,295.

A release by Department of Labor on Thursday showed number of Americans filing first- time claims for unemployment benefits jumped 27,000 to 412,000 in the week ending April 9. Economists expected jobless claims to drop to 380,000. The four-week average of seasonally adjusted initial jobless claims, a less volatile gauge, increased 5,500 to 395,750. Continuing claims for the week ending April 2 fell 58,000 to 3.68 million.

Supervalu Inc. (NYSE: SVU) said Thursday that its fiscal fourth-quarter profit fell to $95 million, or 44 cents a share, from $97 million, or 46 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue declined to $8.66 billion from $9.21 billion. 

Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG), owner of the world's most-popular online search engine, is scheduled to release first quarter earnings after the closing bell on Thursday.Analysts, on average, expect the company to report earnings of $8.13 per share on revenue of $6.44 billion. In the year-ago quarter, the company reported earnings of $6.76 per share on revenue of $5.06 billion.

European stocks retreated in afternoon trade. At 13:18 pm London Time, the UK FTSE fell 42.89 points, or 0.71%, to 5,967.55. The German DAX and French CAC decreased 0.63% and 0.94% respectively.

Asian stocks finished mixed. The Nikkei 225 rose 12.74 points, or 0.13%, to 9,653.92. The Hang Seng index of Hong Kong declined 121.03 points, or 0.50%, to 24,014.

Full Disclosure: None.

US Stock Futures Rise After Retail Sales Data, JPMorgan (NYSE: JPM) Eyed

US stock-index futures rose on Wednesday as upbeat corporate earnings bolstered investor sentiment.

At 8:39 am ET, the S&P 500 futures rose 9.80 points to 1,318.10. The Dow Jones Industrial average futures increased 89 points to 12,282. The Nasdaq Composite futures climbed 18.25 points to 2,311.25.

The Commerce Department reported Wednesday that retail sales rose 0.4% in March to a seasonally adjusted $396.3 billion. Analysts, expected total sales to rise 0.5% in March. 

The Federal Reserve will release its Beige Book at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. The report is a collection of the anecdotal observations about the state of the U.S. economy by the Federal Reserve's 12 regional banks.

J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) reported Wednesday that its first-quarter net income climbed to $5.6 billion, or $1.28 a share, from $3.3 billion, or 74 cents a share, in the year-earlier quarter. Revenue declined to $25.2 billion from $27.7 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to earnings of $1.15 a share on revenue of $25.2 billion. also increased its quarterly dividend to 25 cents a share from 5 cents a share.

European stocks advanced in afternoon trade. At 13:50 pm London Time, the UK FTSE rose 75.97 points, or 1.27%, to 6,040.44. The German DAX and French CAC increased 1.27% and 1.18% respectively.

Asian stocks finished higher. The Nikkei 225 rose 85.92 points, or 0.90%, to 9,641.18. The Hang Seng index of Hong Kong climbed 158.66 points, or 0.66%, to 24,135.03.

Full Disclosure: None.

US Stock Futures Drop On Japan Crisis, Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) Eyed

US stock-index futures pointed to higher open on Monday as investors welcomed the government's last-minute budget deal.

At 8:31 am ET, the S&P 500 futures declined 6.10 points to 1,313.50. The Dow Jones Industrial average futures dropped 56 points to 12,265. The Nasdaq Composite futures slipped 11 points to 2,297.

Japan on Monday raised the severity rating of its nuclear crisis to the highest, matching the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, after increasing radiation prompted the government to widen the evacuation zone and aftershocks rocked the country.

The Commerce Department reported Tuesday that U.S. trade deficit narrowed by 2.6% in February to $45.8 billion Tuesday. Economists expected a deficit of $42.9 billion.

The Federal Reserve will release its Beige Book at 2 p.m. on Tuesday. The report is a collection of the anecdotal observations about the state of the U.S. economy by the Federal Reserve's 12 regional banks.

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) on Tuesday announced that it will exit aspects of its consumer businesses and realign the remaining consumer business to support four of its five key company priorities -- core routing, switching and services; collaboration; architectures; and video. As part of its plan, Cisco will close down its Flip business and support current FlipShare customers and refocus Cisco's Home Networking business for greater profitability. In connection with the changes to the consumer business, it is anticipated that Cisco will recognize restructuring charges to its GAAP financial results, with an aggregate pre-tax impact not expected to exceed $300 million during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2011. Cisco expects to cut 550 jobs under the plan.

Alcoa Inc. (NYSE: AA) on Monday reported that it swung to a first quarter profit of $308 million, or $0.27 per share, from a loss of $201 million, or $0.20 per share, in the year-ago period. Income from continuing operations attributable to Alcoa, as adjusted, for the first quarter was $317 million or $0.28 per share.Revenue rose 20% to $5.96 billion from $4.89 billion. Analysts, on average, expected the company to report earnings of $0.27 per share on revenue of $6.32 billion. Alcoa shares dropped more than 3% in Monday's pre-market trading.

European stocks retreated in afternoon trade. At 13:36 pm London Time, the UK FTSE dropped 60.34 points, or 1%, to 5,993.10. The German DAX and French CAC decreased 1.02% and 1.21% respectively.

Asian stocks finished lower. The Nikkei 225 fell 164.44 points, or 1.62%, to 9,555.26. The Hang Seng index of Hong Kong slumped 326.70 points, or 1.34%, to 23,976.37.

Full Disclosure: None.