I read this at Saxo Bank yesterday ... Stocks gained in Europe and Asia on higher profits, rising commodities prices and growing optimism that demand from emerging markets will counter a U.S. economic slowdown. U.S. index futures advanced. The MSCI World Index ( It is a common benchmark for global stock funds.) added 1 percent to 1,457.12 at 10:43 a.m. in London, with all industry groups climbing. Futures on the Standard & Poor's 500 Index increased 0.3 percent. About five stocks advanced for every one that declined in Europe's Dow Jones Stoxx 600 Index, while more than two stocks rose for each that fell in Asia's regional benchmark.