U.S. stock index futures rose on Thursday following another string of stronger-than-expected quarterly corporate profits, a broker upgrade for General Electric Co , and fresh indications that the global economic downturn is easing.

Jobs data skewed by ’seasonal adjustments’…  BOE surprises the market…  Oil falls below $60…  China’s reserves continue to grow… And Now… Today’s Pfennig!

U.S. stocks rose on Thursday as investors bet the U.S. economic downturn may be easing following reports on fourth-quarter economic growth and weekly jobless claims that landed roughly in line with expectations.

Bad data pushes investors into US treasuries…  Barclay’s says the euro will rally…  SNB surprises with a rate cut…  Iceland gets their bailout… And Now… Today’s Pfennig!