Stock futures rise, point to higher opening

[April 20, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Stock futures are rising as concerns about Greek debt problems wane and on signs that the economy is continuing its slow, steady recovery.

European markets were sharply higher Friday as concerns about a Greek debt default eased.

U.S. markets were spooked Thursday morning after worries again grew about Greece's ability to repay debt. Those concerns began to ease in the afternoon as traders turned their focus to upbeat March sales reports from retailers.

The Dow Jones industrial average snapped a two-day losing streak and crept back toward the psychological 11,000 barrier.

Dow Jones industrial average futures Friday are up 19, or 0.2 percent, at 10,903. Standard & Poor's 500 index futures are up 2.50, or 0.2 percent, at 1,186.20, while Nasdaq 100 index futures are up 5.00, or 0.3 percent, at 1,985.00.

[Associated Press; By STEPHEN BERNARD]

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