Stock Futures Rise as ADP Says Private Payroll Rose 170,000

[Stocks-to-Watch]

A day before the closely watched U.S. employment report, payment processor ADP put the market in a good mood by releasing data showing the economy added 170,000 private sector jobs in January. The increase was below December’s gains, which were revised down to 292,000, but nonetheless indicate steady growth.

Dow futures rose 84 points to 12,661; S&P 500 futures rose 8.3 points to 1,316.5.

Aetna (AET) stock rose 2.2% in pre-market action after the company reported that membership and margins rose in the fourth quarter and earnings were in-line with analysts’ expectations. Northrop Grumman (NOC) shares were flat after the aerospace and defense company issued disappointing 2012 guidance.



Original Article Source by Barrons.com