WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - U.S. stock futures are rallying on Wednesday, as the focus shifted to some positive global data points. Developments on the eurozone debt crisis have been encouraging after the much feared Portugal bill auction results proved fairly encouraging and hopes concerning a Greek-PSI deal strengthened. Domestic earnings have been mixed. Traders may also focus on the ADP's private sector employment report and a domestic national manufacturing reading. As of 6:30 am ET, the Dow futures are rising 93 points, the S&P 500 futures adding 9.60 points and the Nasdaq 100 futures up 13.50 points. After seeing strength in morning trade on Tuesday on the back of Greek deal optimism, the major averages turned in lackluster performance for the rest of the session and closed mixed. On the economic front, the ADP National Employment report, which sheds light on non-farm private employment, is scheduled to be released at 8:15 am ET. The consensus expectations are for an addition of 172,000 jobs by the sector in January following an addition of 325,000 jobs in December. Additionally, the results of the manufacturing survey of the Institute for Supply Management, which are based on data compiled from purchasing and supply executives nationwide, are due out at 10 am ET. Economists expect the index to show a reading of 54.5 for January compared to 53.9 in December. The Commerce Department's construction spending report to be released at 10 am ET is expected to show a 0.5 percent increase in December. The Energy Information Administration is scheduled to release its weekly petroleum inventory report for the week ended January 27th at 10:30 AM ET. Also, Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank President Charles Plosser is due to speak to the Main Line Chamber of Commerce on the economic outlook, in Philadelphia at 8:30 am ET. In corporate news, Amazon (AMZN) said its fourth quarter earnings exceeded estimates despite declining from the year-ago period. Net sales fell 35 percent and trailed estimates. The company issued first quarter sales guidance range, which at best will meet estimates. Manitowoc's (MTW) fourth quarter earnings and revenues were ahead of estimates. Seagate (STX) reported second quarter non-GAAP earnings of $1.32 per share on revenues of $3.2 billion. The results were better than expected. JDA Software's (JDAS) fourth quarter adjusted earnings and revenues were above estimates. The company also revealed that it has received information from the SEC about a probe regarding its revenue recognition and other accounting and financial reporting matters for certain past fiscal years. Broadcom (BRCM) announced an 11 percent increase in its quarterly dividend to 10 cents per share. Separately, the company reported fourth quarter non-GAAP earnings of 68 cents per share on revenues of $1.82 billion. The results came in ahead of estimates. Arrow Electronics (ARW), Audiocodes (AUDC), Corinthian Colleges (COCO), Entergis (ENTG), Franklin Resources (BEN), Northrop Grumman (NOC) and Tupperware (TUP) are among the notable companies due to release their results before the markets close. Prominent among the companies scheduled to release their quarterly news include 99 Cents Only (NDN), Allstate (ALL), Amdocs (DOX), Ameriprise Financial (AMP), AvlonBay (AVB), BMC Software (BMC), Cabot (CBT), Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG), Electronic Arts (ERTS), Hain Celestial (HAIN), JDS Uniphase (JDSU), Las Vegas Sands (LVS), MDU Resources (MDU), NetLogic (NETL), Openwave (OPWV), Qualcomm (QCOM) and Vulcan Materials (VMC). The major Asian markets ended on a mixed note, as traders weighed mixed catalysts and also awaited a U.S. private sector jobs report due later in the day. Sentiment early in the session was weighed down by a few disappointing U.S. data released overnight. However, as a Chinese government report showed an unexpected expansion in manufacturing activity, risk appetite picked up, although traders remained cautious all through the session. Japan's Nikkei 225 average showed volatility before closing up 7.28 points or 0.08 percent at 8,810. Meanwhile, Australia's All Ordinaries slid 34.70 points or 0.80 percent before closing at 4,291 and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index closed 57.12 points or 0.28 percent lower at 20,333. The Chinese Shanghai Composite Index fell 1.07 percent. European stocks are advancing, with the major averages in the region up over 1 percent each. Markets were taking cues from the positive data point from China and also continued to stay optimistic a deal between Greece and its private creditors. Some positive earnings also lent support. In corporate news, B/E Aerospace (BEAV) reporting fourth quarter adjusted net earnings of 60 cents per share, higher than 42 cents per share last year. Revenues climbed a little over 12 percent to $654.7 million. The company also reiterated its forecast for 2012. Chipmaker Infineon (IFX) reported a decline in its first quarter profit, although the decline was less than expected. The European Union regulators blocked New York Stock Exchange (NYX) proposed merger with Deutsche Boerse. Final manufacturing activity indicator from the euro zone suggested that the sector contracted yet again, although at a slower pace.
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