U.S. equity futures rose in premarket trading on renewed hopes of global growth following strong German ZEW economic survey data. The survey, a key indicator of German and European growth, rose to 6.9 in December from -15.7 in November and better than economist forecasts of -12.0.

In other news, former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who has reinserted himself into the upcoming elections in April, said that the resigning Prime Minister Mario Monti's government had followed a German-centric economic model, taking Italy into recession. He is organizing a coalition to try to win a majority in the elections.

• S&P 500 futures rose 3.2 points to 1,423.40.
• The EUR/USD was higher at 1.2971.
• Spanish 10-year government bond yields fell to 5.506%.
• Italian 10-year government bond yields fell to 4.736%.
• Gold fell 0.19% to $1,711.10.

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Commodities

Commodities were mixed overnight as energy futures rose and metals futures fell. WTI crude futures rose 0.5% to $85.99 per barrel and Brent crude futures rose 0.75% to $108.13 per barrel. Copper futures slipped 0.16% to $370.00 per pound as Chinese shares slipped. Gold was lower and silver futures fell 0.64% to $33.17.

Currencies

Currency markets were in risk-on mode as traders sold the dollar and the yen and piled into risk assets. The EUR/USD was higher at 1.2971 and the dollar rose against the yen to 82.51. Overall, the Dollar Index slipped 0.13% on weakness against the euro, the pound, and the Swedish krone. However, the dollar was higher against the Swiss franc, with both currencies' central banks meeting this week. The AUD/USD bounced back after selling off overnight and the AUD/JPY rallied 0.23%.

Premarket movers include:

• Groupon (GRPN) shares rose 1.19% after falling over 9% Monday as investors discounted the chances of a takeover in the company that was widely rumored Friday.
• Zynga (ZNGA) shares rose 1.03% in the premarket as investors bought the stock in hopes that the company's move into real-money gaming will benefit shares.
• McDonald's (MCD) shares rose 0.67% premarket after the company reported much better than expected November comps Monday, with same store sales rising 2.4% vs. an estimated 0.2% rise.
• AIG (AIG) shares fell 0.33% premarket as the Treasury is selling a further part of its stake in the insurer.

Earnings

• Dollar General (DG) is expected to report third quarter earnings per share of $0.60 vs. $0.50 a year ago.

Economics

On the economics calendar Tuesday, the NFIB small business outlook survey is due out as well as same-store sales. In addition, international trade and wholesale trade data are expected to be released. The Treasury is also set to auction four-week and 52-week bills and three-year notes.

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