U.S. stock index futures rose on Monday on growing hopes Europe will sort out its tangled debt issues and as metals prices advanced on bets of a stronger global economy. In addition, news of mergers and acquisitions indicated attractive stock valuations. In the latest deal, diversified industrial company Danaher Corp (DHR.N) agreed to buy medical diagnostics company Beckman Coulter Inc (BEC.N) in a transaction valued at about $6.8 billion. Beckman shares jumped 10 percent before the market's open. Basic materials stocks will be in focus as the price of copper hit a record on concerns about supply and as economic data recently boosted the outlook for demand. Mining stocks led European shares higher.
Source
