Business Today: Stock futures higher on euro zone hopes

Click to View in Browser 06/6/2012 Stock futures higher on euro zone hopes NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stock index futures rose on Wednesday on signs that European officials are urgently exploring ways to rescue Spain's debt-stricken banks and on hopes of further stimulus from central banks to tackle the euro zone's debt crisis. Two Fed officials cool to more easing ST.LOUIS/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Two top Federal Reserve officials suggested on Tuesday that the U.S. central bank is not preparing to ease monetary policy at a meeting later this month as the economic outlook has not deteriorated to the point where action is warranted. ECB resists crisis pressure and keeps rates at 1 percent FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The European Central Bank left interest rates at 1 percent on Wednesday, dashing some market expectations that it might move quickly to combat fears about the health of the euro zone. EU, Germany exploring Spanish rescue MADRID/BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany and European Union officials are urgently exploring ways to rescue Spain's debt-stricken banks although Madrid has not yet requested assistance and is resisting political conditions, EU sources said on Wednesday. First quarter productivity falls more than expected WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. nonfarm productivity fell more than expected in the first quarter as companies gave more hours to employees but only modestly expanded output, revised data from Labor Department showed on Wednesday. JPMorgan cuts IT spending outlook as economy slows (Reuters) - JPMorgan Securities lowered its IT spending growth outlook for 2012 citing a slowdown in global production trends and spending by China, amid rising macroeconomic uncertainties in Europe and the United States. Germany finalizing face-saving aid deal for Spain BERLIN (Reuters) - A deal is in the works that would allow Spain to recapitalize its stricken banks with aid from its European partners but avoid the embarrassment of having to adopt new economic reforms imposed from the outside, German officials say. Pfizer job cuts highlight Irish exposure to patent expiries DUBLIN (Reuters) - Pfizer Inc will cut 177 jobs in Ireland following the expiration of patents on blockbuster cholesterol drug Lipitor, highlighting the exposure of Ireland's export-driven economy to the patent cliff facing many in the pharmaceutical sector. News Corp buys Disney stake in Asian sports JV (Reuters) - Rupert Murdoch's News Corp has bought out Walt Disney Co's 50 percent stake in Asian joint venture ESPN STAR Sports (ESS) for an undisclosed sum, the two companies said on Wednesday, ending a 16-year partnership in the region. Moody's cuts German, Austrian banks on euro risks (Reuters) - Moody's Investors Service cut the credit ratings of six German banking groups and Austria's three largest banks on Wednesday, underscoring that even the euro zone's strongest economies face risks if the region's debt crisis deepens. Related Video Asmussen: ECB needs a 10 year plan for Europe Breakingviews: Europe needs to sort its prorities out Economic News ECB resists crisis pressure and keeps rates at 1 percent Lockhart says Fed may ease if economy falters A daily digest of breaking business news, coverage of the US economy, major corporate news and the financial markets. Register Today   The latest Reuters articles on M&A, IPOs, private equity, hedge funds and regulatory updates delivered to your inbox each day. Register Today   » MORE NEWSLETTERS - 3 Times Square New York, NY 10036 USA © Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters Ensure delivery of Reuters Newsmails, add mail@nl.reuters.com to your address book. Details Subscribe to other Reuters newsletters. Unsubscribe from this newsletter. Follow us on Twitter Friend us on Facebook Forward to a friend