US stock futures rise ahead of inflation data

[March 16, 2012]  NEW YORK (AP) -- U.S. stock futures are up ahead of another round of economic data that should shed further light on whether the recovery in the world's largest economy is still picking up steam.

Dow Jones industrial futures rose 23 points to 13,195. The broader Standard & Poor's 500 futures are up 2 points to 1,398. Nasdaq 100 futures are up 4 points to 2,716.

The market has rallied on upbeat U.S. economic data and easing worries about European debt, despite some concern over the rise in oil prices. On Thursday, the Standard & Poor's 500 index closed above 1,400 for the first time since June 2008.

Later Friday, the focus will be on consumer inflation and industrial production figures as well as the closely watched University of Michigan consumer confidence survey.

[Associated Press]

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