U.S. Stock Futures Advance on Earnings; Merrill, Coca-Cola Gain

(Bloomberg) -- U.S. stock-index futures rose after
Merrill Lynch & Co., Coca-Cola Co. and Johnson & Johnson reported
second-quarter profit that beat analysts' estimates.

Merrill Lynch, the third-biggest U.S. securities firm,
climbed after saying higher trading revenue and investment-
banking fees increased earnings. Coca-Cola, the largest soft-
drink maker, advanced after earnings were boosted by sales in
Europe and Japan. J&J, the biggest maker of health-care products,
also gained.


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