Stock futures signal stronger open on tech earns

[December 18, 2009]  SINGAPORE (AP) -- Stock futures are indicating a higher opening on Wall Street following better than expected earnings reports from the technology sector.

European stock markets were rising Friday after Asian markets retreated.

BlackBerry maker Research In Motion Ltd. and software company Oracle Corp. both reported earnings after the markets closed Thursday that beat analysts' estimates.

Oracle's results suggested companies are becoming less reluctant to spend on technology projects.

Palm Inc., however, reported a wider second-quarter loss than analysts predicted as sales of its smart phones declined.

Dow Jones industrial average futures are up 73, or 0.7 percent, at 10,406. Standard & Poor's 500 index futures are up 6.3, or 0.6 percent, at 1,100.50, while Nasdaq 100 index futures are up 9.25, or 0.5 percent, at 1,794.75.

[Associated Press; By IEVA M. AUGSTUMS]

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