“(Reuters) – U.S. stock index futures pointed to a higher open on Monday, putting the S&P 500 within striking distance of record levels, though geopolitical concerns in the Ukrainecould cap gains.
In Ukraine, pro-Russian rebels voted in favor of self-rule in eastern regions of the country in a referendum dismissed by Kiev and Western governments as illegal. Separately, the European Union is set to step up pressure on Russia by taking steps to extend sanctions to companies, as well as individuals.
In the latest deal news, Hillshire Brands Co (HSH.N) agreed to buy Pinnacle Foods Inc (PF.N) for about $6.6 billion. Pinnacle jumped 20.5 percent to $36.70 in premarket trading while Hillshire was up 3 percent at $38.05.
The board of Allergan (AGN.N) rejected an unsolicited proposal from Valeant (VRX.TO), saying it significantly undervalued the company.
Separately, the head of research at Pfizer Inc (PFE.N) pressed the case for the company’s plan to buy AstraZeneca (AZN.L) for $106 billion, saying a deal wouldn’t disrupt drug research. U.S. shares of Astra (AZN.N) rose 1.1 percent to $78.11 before the bell while Dowcomponent Pfizer was up 0.6 percent at $29.20.
Virginia Rometty, chief executive of IBM Corp (IBM.N), told the New York Times the company was facing a “rocky time” but has a clear vision on how to pursue another generation of growth….”
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