Stocks poised for gains
President's comments on economy helps boost pre-market sentiment
By CNNMoney.com staff
Last Updated: March 25, 2009: 7:06 AM ET
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- U.S. stocks appeared set for a positive open Wednesday, a day after President Obama defended his administration's ability to combat the economic crisis.
At 6:56 a.m. ET, Dow Jones industrial average, Standard & Poor's 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures were higher.
Futures measure current index values against perceived future performance and give an indication of how markets may open when trading begins in New York.
Art Hogan, chief market strategist at Jefferies & Co., said Obama's news conference on Tuesday night helped to bolster the U.S. dollar and could be partly responsible for the gains in pre-market trading.
Looking forward, Hogan said investors will be focused on the morning report for durable goods orders - a gauge on the demand for manufacturing.
Hogan said the markets, which have seesawed for two days, were trying to test the validity of Monday's massive rally.
"The million dollar question is, 'Are we in a bear rally that is coming to an end, or are we in the middle of something sustainable?'," said Hogan.
1.
Obama: In a primetime news conference Tuesday, Obama said there would be no "quick fixes" for the recession and that it would take time for the economy to recover.
2.Treasury plan: Earlier this week, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner unveiled a plan to remove troubled assets from the balance sheets of banks by partnering with private investors. (Full story)
Geithner is due to speak on the Obama administration's plan for battling the economic and financial crises at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. His comments are due at 9:15 a.m. ET.
3.Economy: Investors will take in a report on durable goods orders, due out at 8:30 a.m. ET. That will be followed by a reading on new home sales for February at 10 a.m. ET. Also on tap is the U.S. government's weekly report on fuel supplies, due out at 10:30 a.m. ET.