Benzinga Market Primer, Tuesday, December 11

Futures Rise on Global Growth Bets

U.S. equity futures rose in pre-market trading on renewed hopes of global growth following the strong German ZEW Economic Survey release. The survey, a key indicator of German and European growth, rose to 6.9 in December from -15.7 in November and better than economist forecasts of a -12.0 reading.

Top News

In other news around the markets:

Asian Markets

Asian shares were mixed overnight as strength in smaller markets was offset by losses in Japan and China. The Japanese Nikkei Index fell 0.09 percent while the Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.44 percent and the Hang Seng Index rose 0.21 percent. In addition, the Korean Kospi rose 0.37 percent and Australian shares rose 0.4 percent.

European Markets

European shares reversed Monday's losses as fears over Italy's political crisis receded slightly overnight. The Spanish Ibex Index rose 1.01 percent and the Italian MIB Index rose 0.99 percent on reduced fears in Italy. Meanwhile, the German DAX rose 0.49 percent on the strong economic survey while the French CAC rose 0.59 percent and U.K. shares rose 0.18 percent.

Commodities

Commodities were mixed overnight as energy futures rose and metals futures fell. WTI Crude futures rose 0.5 percent to $85.99 per barrel and Brent Crude futures rose 0.75 percent to $108.13 per barrel. Copper futures slipped 0.16 percent to $370.00 per pound as Chinese shares slipped. Gold was lower and silver futures fell 0.64 percent to $33.17.

Currencies

Currency markets were in risk-on mode as traders sold the dollar and the yen and piled into risk assets. The EUR/USD was higher at 1.2971 and the dollar rose against the yen to 82.51. Overall, the Dollar Index slipped 0.13 percent on weakness against the euro, the pound, and the Swedish krone. However, the dollar was higher against the Swiss franc, with both currencies' central banks meeting this week. The AUD/USD bounced back after selling off overnight and the AUD/JPY rallied 0.23 percent.

Pre-Market Movers

Stocks moving in the pre-market included:

Earnings

Notable companies expected to report earnings Tuesday include:

Economics

On the economics calendar Tuesday, the NFIB Small Business Outlook Survey is due out as well as same store sales. In addition, international trade and wholesale trade data are expected to be released. The Treasury is also set to auction 4-week and 52-week bills and 3-year notes.

Good luck and good trading.