|
 While that debate continues, investors got some boost on speculation that takeovers might begin to ramp up since corporate valuations are lower. Mergers and acquisitions, especially by private equity firms, have been one of the market's biggest drivers this year.
Online brokerages TD Ameritrade Holding Corp. and E-Trade Financial Corp. are said to have been in discussions about a possible deal for weeks, according to The Wall Street Journal. However, both sides are still not yet close to a deal.
Meanwhile, Nymex Holdings Inc. Chairman Richard Schaeffer said Tuesday the commodities exchange has held preliminary discussions about a potential merger, but there is no guarantee of a deal.
Dow Jones industrials futures expiring in September rose 93, or 0.43 percent, to 13,210, while S&P 500 futures rose 9.90, or 0.68 percent, to 1,461.50. Nasdaq 100 index futures added 8.00, or 0.42 percent, to 1,927.75.
With no economic data scheduled to be released during the session, investors might begin to place bets ahead of two reports scheduled later this week. On Thursday, the Commerce Department releases its monthly measure of durable goods orders, and will release on Friday a report on new home sales and prices.
[to top of second column]
 |
 Among earnings reports due to be released Wednesday, home builder Toll Brothers Inc. is expected to report a fiscal third-quarter profit of 6 cents a share.
Oil prices rose 27 cents to $69.84 in preopening trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Crude prices have fallen as it appeared there was no major damage to oil rigs as Hurricane Dean pushed through Mexico.
Overseas, Britain's FTSE 100 rose 0.74 percent, Germany's DAX index rose 0.79 percent, and France's CAC-40 rose 1.17 percent. In Asia, Japan's Nikkei stock average was flat. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index rose 0.50 percent.
[Associated Press; by Joe Bel
Bruno]
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This
material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.
 |
