European stock-index futures rise as investors look to Greece

By Alan Soughley

European stock-index futures advanced, indicating equities may extend gains, as investors watch Greece for any details on efforts to secure more funds and avoid fiscal collapse.

Futures on the Euro Stoxx 50 Index expiring in June gained 0.3 percent to 3,616 at 7:09 a.m. in London. Health-care companies helped push the Stoxx Europe 600 Index up 0.3 percent on Friday, trimming its worst weekly loss of the year.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras requested a session in the legislature for Monday to discuss ongoing talks with Greece?s creditors on the country?s proposed reforms required for further aid, a Greek government official told reporters Sunday in an e- mailed statement on condition of anonymity, in line with policy. The discussion will begin at 8 p.m. Athens time.

Investors will also watch a final report on euro-area consumer confidence, which economists forecast to be unchanged in March. German inflation data will show a pickup in prices this month, according to estimates.

In the U.S., data Monday will show personal incomes rose 0.3 percent in February, according to economists surveyed by Bloomberg, while spending probably advanced by 0.2 percent. Standard & Poor?s 500 Index futures added 0.2 percent.

The MSCI Asia Pacific Index added 0.4 percent after China?s central bank governor said the government can do more to support growth in the world?s second-largest economy.

Among companies that could move on corporate news, Prada SpA may be active after reporting a 28 percent drop in full-year profit.

Holcim Ltd. and Lafarge SA may move. Holcim?s second- biggest shareholder plans to vote against the Swiss company?s merger with Lafarge, even after the cement makers last week agreed on new terms...