Russia said all issues related to it sending a humanitarian convoy
to Ukraine had been resolved but said no progress has been made in
talks toward a ceasefire or political solution to the fighting in
the east of the country after talks between Russia, Germany, France
and Ukraine on Sunday.But the region remained unsettled as Ukraine accused pro-Russian rebels on Monday of hitting a refugee convoy of buses with rocket fire near the eastern city of Luhansk, but the separatists denied responsibility.
Merger and acquisition action continues to flourish. Discount retailer Dollar General Corp offered to buy Family Dollar Stores Inc for $8.95 billion, trumping an offer by Dollar Tree Inc. Family Dollar shares gained 5.2 percent to $80 before the opening bell while Dollar General jumped 7.9 percent to $62.
Sensors and electrical controls maker Sensata Technologies Holding NV said it would buy the Schrader group of companies for an enterprise value of $1 billion.
Ingersoll-Rand Plc, a maker of heating and air conditioning systems, said it would buy Cameron International Corp's centrifugal compression unit for $850 million.
S&P 500 e-mini futures were up 10.5 points and fair value -
a formula that evaluates pricing by taking into account interest
rates, dividends and time to expiration on the contract - indicated
a higher open. Dow Jones industrial average e-mini futures rose 88
points and Nasdaq 100 e-mini futures added 22 points.
