Stock futures narrowly higher ahead of earnings

[April 26, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Stock futures are slightly higher as investors await Caterpillar Inc.'s first-quarter earnings report and forecast for the rest of this year.

Investors view the big equipment manufacturer's results and its outlook as an economic indicator. They have gotten some early good news from Whirlpool Corp., which said its profits doubled as it sold more appliances in the U.S. and other countries.

A stream of upbeat earnings reports have sent stocks steadily higher over the past week.

Dow Jones industrial average futures are up 21, or 0.2 percent, at 11,163. Standard & Poor's 500 futures are up 1.5, or 0.1 percent, at 1,213.80. Nasdaq 100 futures are up 0.75, or 0.4 percent, at 2,053.75.

[Associated Press; By JOYCE M. ROSENBERG]

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