Business Today: Stock futures rise after Bernanke comments

		Click to View in Browser 07/17/2013 Stock futures rise after Bernanke comments NEW YORK (Reuters) - S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures rose on Wednesday after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke affirmed the central bank's plan to begin scaling back its stimulus program later this year, though he stressed that could change if the economy's outlook changes. Bernanke: bond tapering to begin later this year, but plan not preset WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said on Wednesday the U.S. central bank still expects to start scaling back its massive asset purchase program later this year, but left open the option of changing that plan in either direction if the economic outlook shifted. Housing starts fall to ten-month low WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. housing starts and permits for future home construction unexpectedly fell in June, further evidence of a sharp slowdown in economic activity in the second quarter. Bank of America profit jumps as equities trading revenue improves (Reuters) - Bank of America Corp reported a stronger-than-expected 70 percent rise in second-quarter profit, helped by higher revenue from equities sales and trading and a drop in expenses. Mattel profit slumps as Barbie's appeal fades (Reuters) - Mattel Inc , the world's largest toymaker, reported a weaker-than-expected 23 percent drop in profit as Barbie sales fell for the fourth straight quarter, highlighting the iconic brand's struggle to stay relevant. Barclays to fight $453 million power fine in U.S. court NEW YORK (Reuters) - Barclays will contest a record $453 million fine imposed by a U.S. energy regulator against the British bank and four of its power traders, setting up a likely federal court battle. Judge lets U.S. pursue $5 billion fraud lawsuit vs S&P (Reuters) - A U.S. federal judge has ruled that the U.S. government may pursue its $5 billion civil fraud lawsuit accusing Standard & Poor's of misleading investors by inflating credit ratings. Abbott profit beats forecast, nutritional products strong (Reuters) - Abbott Laboratories reported better-than-expected second-quarter earnings on Wednesday as strong demand for nutritional products offset lower sales of medical devices and generic prescription drugs. GSK says China stops finance head from leaving country LONDON (Reuters) - Beijing is preventing GlaxoSmithKline's head of finance for China from leaving the country, as police accuse the British drugmaker of bribing officials and doctors, a spokesman for the drugmaker said on Wednesday. China's premier holds the line on reforming economy BEIJING (Reuters) - China's Premier Li Keqiang urged caution about rushing to change economic policy to try to revive the country's sputtering growth, but he also signaled Beijing was prepared to take action if the economy slips too far. Related Video China slowdown worries mineral-rich Africa Wealth Strategies: How "game theory" can build a portfolio Economic News Bernanke: bond tapering to begin later this year, but plan not preset Treasury's Lew:"Core elements" of Dodd-Frank to be enacted by year-end - CNBC 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