U.S. stock-index futures gained after the government said the American economy expanded more than previously estimated in the fourth quarter as companies rebuilt inventories.

Futures climbed earlier after the European Central Bank said today it will lend 800 financial institutions 529.5 billion euros ($712 billion) for 1,092 days.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke will deliver a semi-annual testimony on monetary policy and the outlook for the economy to the House Financial Services Committee in Washington today.

Global Stocks:

Nikkei  9,723.24 +0.72 +0.01%

Hang Seng 21,680.08 +111.35 +0.52%

Shanghai Composite 2,428.49 -23.37 -0.95%

FTSE  5,927.71 -0.20 0.00%

CAC  3,472.38 +18.39 +0.53%

DAX 6,924.26 +36.63 +0.53%

Crude oil: $106.59 (+0,04%).

Gold: $1783.70 (-0,27%).