Stocks are set to rise, with energy firms to the fore as the oil price remains on the comeback trail.
After rising 14 points to 16,790 yesterday, the Dow Jones is tipped to rise just shy of 100 points at the outset, based on spread betting quotes.
The S&P, which fell seven points to 1,980 yesterday, is projected to climb to around 1,990 at the outset.
The most actively traded futures contract for West Texas Intermediate is up just over a dollar to US$49.55, adding to yesterday's handsome gains.
The much-anticipated bid from Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE:BUD) for South African brewing giant SABMiller (LON:SAB) has materialised, with the Belgian brewer going over the head of the SABMiller board to announce a proposed offer of £42.15 a share, after having two previous offers knocked back by the SABMiller board.
The terms value SABMiller at US$104bn.
KFC and Pizza Hut brands owner Yum Brands (NYSE:YUM) is proving about as popular as a week old anchovy and spinach pizza after massively disappointing results released after the bell last night.
The company is a big player in China but that market has been problematic of late for the fast foods peddler and it said the pace of recovery in its China division had been slower than expected.
Operational earnings per share of US$1.00 were around five cents below the consensus forecast, as cost improvements were offset by materially worse-than-expected sales in China.
"With the China business facing further unexpected headwinds into 2H, visibility for a turnaround remains low, evidenced by the reduced EPS outlook," said Jefferies, which nevertheless retained its 'hold' recommendation.
In pre-market trading, Yum's shares were changing hands at US$70.55, after closing at US$83.45 yesterday.
Another company with products that are anathema to healthy eating lobbyists, PepsiCo (NYSE:PEP) was faring a little better after its results last night.
The shares were down eight cents in pre-market trading at just under US$97, after the fizzy drinks maker topped expectations with third quarter earnings per share (EPS) of US$1.35, versus market expectations of US$1.25.
Completing a trio of controversial companies making waves, agricultural giant Monsanto (NYSE:MON) is set to issue a trading update ahead of the bell this morning.