U.S. -stock futures gained

U.S. -stock futures gained, indicating that 500 of Standard & Poor's can be extended by a maximum of two years, a report may show consumer confidence in the world's largest economy rose this month.

Beckman Coulter Inc. rose 16 percent in German trading as people with direct knowledge of the matter said the company is considering a sale after being approached by private equity firms. Capstar Mortgage Corp. rose after announcing a quarterly dividend higher. Procter & Gamble Co. won as Goldman Sachs Group Inc. recommended buying the stock. National Semiconductor Corp. plunged 7.1 percent after forecasting third-quarter sales that fell below analysts' estimates.

Futures on the S & P 500 will end in March 2011 rose 0.2 percent to 1230.80 at 11:53 in London. The benchmark for U.S. stocks is headed for its second consecutive weekly advance after President Barack Obama announced agreement on a two-year extension of tax cuts, increasing optimism about the Federal Reserve's plan to inject money into the economy. Future Dow Jones Industrial average increased 0.1 percent, to 11,313 today, while the Nasdaq-100 Index futures advanced 0.2 percent for 2203.

"The underlying tone remains positive while the market is evaluating the impact of the new fiscal action in the U.S.," said Nicola Trivelli, who helps manage about 3 million euros (4 billion) as chief Sella investments Gestioni Sgr in Milan. "Some concerns about the periphery of the euro area are still out there."

Paying off debt

European stock markets fluctuated today as benchmarks in the weaker economies in the region declined, led by the IBEX 35, Spain, amid continuing concern for countries like Portugal and Greece can not pay their debts.

The S & P 500 gained 0.4 percent yesterday, taking the measure to a maximum of two years for a second day as Pacific Investment Management Co., the largest bond fund manager, raised its forecast for economic growth and jobless claims declined.

The Thomson Reuters / University of Michigan preliminary sentiment index probably rose to 72.5 households this month, the highest level since June, according to a survey of economists. The average indicator 89 in the five years preceding the recession that began in December 2007. The report is due at 9:55 am New York time.

Exports, Imports

The U.S. trade deficit was probably little changed in October, the export earnings, reflecting the weak dollar and growing economies abroad, kept pace with increased imports, analysts said before a separate report today . The projection of 43.8 billion U.S. dollars would divide a deficit of $ 44 billion in September, according to the median estimate of 78 economists surveyed. The Commerce Department figures should trade at 8:30 am in Washington.

Also at 8:30 in the morning, a Labor Department report may show the import price index rose 0.8 percent last month due to higher costs for crude oil and metals.

Futures advanced, even after China ordered lenders to park more money with the central bank for the third time in five weeks to counter the threat of inflation after November loans and trade surplus exceeded analysts' estimates . Reserve requirements will increase by 50 basis points from December 20, the People's Bank of China said on its website today.

Political leaders failed to add the October increase interest rates, a strategy that may prolong the campaign to control inflation which reached a maximum of two years this month.

Going Private

Beckman Coulter jumped 16 percent to $ 66.29 in Germany. The manufacturer of laboratory equipment for scientific research, which has a market value of about $ 4 billion, has hired Goldman Sachs Group Inc. to explore the possibility of going to the private sector or seek a strategic buyer, said people familiar with the matter, who declined to be identified because the talks are private.

Blackstone Group LP and Apollo Global Management LLC are among the companies that came to Beckman, two people said. The process is in its early stages, and any offer for the company's Brea, California, is likely to be months away, the people said.

Capstar mortgage rose 1.6 percent to $ 12.12 in real estate investment trust that owns most adjustable rate mortgage securities declared a fourth quarter dividend of 39 cents per share, compared to 26 cents action in the previous period.

Procter & Gamble advanced 1 percent to $ 63.49 at Goldman Sachs upgraded the world's biggest consumer products to "buy" from "neutral." Said the brokerage in a note that Procter & Gamble is a "history of change of 2011 and analysts' underestimate the new sales in the market. "

Pall Corp. rose as much as 5.1 percent to $ 50.46 in late U.S. trading yesterday. The supplier of filters for drug manufacturers and refineries increased their profit forecast, saying it expects earnings excluding some items up to $ 2.63 per share in fiscal 2011. The shares do not trade in Europe.

Less than advertised

National Semiconductor fell 6.9 percent to $ 13.94 in the analog chip maker forecast third-quarter sales were lower than analysts predicted. Revenue in the quarter will be 344 million U.S. dollars to $ 359 million, compared with an average forecast of 382.3 million U.S. dollars.

United Technologies Corp. retreated 2.1 percent to $ 76.02. The aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney and Air conditioning company provides 2,011 net income and sales that trailed some analysts' estimates.

Aastrom Biosciences Inc. plunged 18 percent to $ 2.53 after the company, which develops cell therapy systems, said it will sell an unspecified number of shares and warrants in a public offering.

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. fell 17 percent to $ 30.96 Seller of Keurig single-cup brewers forecast first-quarter profit excluding some items of 14 cents to 18 cents per share, below analysts' average estimate of 20 cents per share.

F5 Networks Inc. rose 5.3 percent, to $ 146.25 as it will be added to the S & P 500. Cablevision Systems Corp., Netflix Inc. and Newfield Exploration Co. may be active, since they were selected to join as well. It will take the place of King Pharmaceuticals Inc., New York Times Co., Office Depot Inc. and Eastman Kodak Co., according to a statement on the website of S & P after the close of business yesterday.