Stocks look to recover after Tuesday's plunge

[February 23, 2011]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks are looking to make a comeback a day after the steepest fall this year by key market indicators.

All three major indexes are pointing to a higher opening Wednesday. That comes after stocks plummeted Tuesday as Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi clung to power in the face of mounting protests.

Investors are also weighing earnings reports Wednesday from Lowe's Cos. and Toll Brothers Inc.

Ahead of the opening bell, Dow Jones industrial average futures are up 45, or 0.4 percent, at 12,228. S&P 500 index futures are up 5, or 0.4 percent, at 1,319. Nasdaq 100 index futures are up 11, or 0.5 percent, at 2,333.

On Tuesday, the Dow Jones industrial average fell by 178 points -- its biggest drop since Nov. 16. The S&P 500 index fell by the largest amount since Aug. 11.

[Associated Press; By CHIP CUTTER]

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.