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* The benchmark S&P index climbed 1.2 percent on
Wednesday, its biggest advance since Dec. 18, to snap its
longest losing streak in about 13 months. That came after strong
private sector jobs data and minutes from the most recent
Federal Reserve meeting reassured investors the bank was in no
hurry to start raising interest rates.
* After reaching a record high on Dec. 29, the S&P lost 4.2
percent during its losing streak, amid headwinds from a
continued rout in oil prices and the possibility of Greece's
exit from the euro zone following its upcoming elections.
* Investors will eye weekly initial jobless claims data due at
8:30 a.m. ET for signs of continued strengthen in the labor
market. Expectations call for claims to fall to 290,000 from the
298,000 in the prior week. The key monthly payrolls report is
expected on Friday.
* Signs of possible stabilization in oil prices helped boost
sentiment, as Brent crude <LCOc1> held above $51 a barrel, up
0.6 percent to $51.46, while U.S. crude gained 0.7 percent to
$48.99. [O/R]
* Retailers will also be in focus as they report monthly sales
results. Investors will monitor the figures for signs of whether
lower energy prices have helped boost consumer spending.
* Family Dollar Stores <FDO.N> slipped 0.8 percent to $78.25 in
premarket trade after the discount retailer posted first quarter
earnings.
* Bind Therapeutics <BIND.O> shares surged 43.5 percent to $7.39
in premarket trade after the company said it enrolled its first
patient in a mid-stage trial for its lung cancer drug. The stock
was the most actively traded on the Nasdaq before the opening
bell with volume of over 510,000 shares, more than triple its
10-day average.
* Biogen Idec climbed 1.1 percent to $357 before the opening
bell after the drugmaker said a mid-stage study of a new
treatment for acute optic neuritis showed evidence of biological
repair of the visual system.
Futures snapshot at 8:06 a.m.:
* S&P 500 e-minis were up 17.5 points, or 0.87 percent, with
202,452 contracts changing hands.
* Nasdaq 100 e-minis were up 37.75 points, or 0.91 percent, in
volume of 32,762 contracts.
* Dow e-minis were up 164 points, or 0.94 percent, with
34,873 contracts changing hands.
(Editing by Bernadette Baum)
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