US pre-open: Stocks rise despite tensions in Ukraine
The main US equity averages are now being called to start the day with slight gains, averaging one tenth of a percentage point.
That comes amid reports of intensified fighting in Ukraine between government forces and even rebels, with the latter being backed up by Russian military personnel.
"Despite Moscow's hollow denials, it is now clear that Russian troops and equipment have illegally crossed the border into eastern and south-eastern Ukraine," NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told reporters in Brussels.
Rasmussen added that Ukraine will become a member of the military alliance if it so wishes and if it meets the criteria. Recent events may accelerate a vote in Kiev on joining the defensive alliance.
Leaders from the European Union will meet tomorrow, in Brussels, to discuss possibly stronger sanctions against Russia.
Personal income grew by 0.2% over the month in July (consensus: 0.3%), while the previous month's reading was revised slightly higher to show a gain of 0.5%.
Spending, on the other hand, fell at a 0.1% month-on-month clip (consensus: 0.2%) for the first time since January.
The results of the Chicago NAPM's regional manufacturing survey for the month of August will be released at 14:45, followed by the University of Michigan's final reading on consumer sentiment for this month ten minutes later.
Front month West Texas crude futures were 0.67% higher at $95.17 per barrel on NYMEX.
US 10-year Treasury yields edged higher by one basis point to 2.34%.
AB