Future actions pointing to the third consecutive day of gains

NEW YORK - Stock futures are pointing to a third straight day of gains.

It follows the advances on European markets, which are rising on hopes that the Greece will get other rescue plan to help its debt problems.

A strong reports earnings us, like many mergers and acquisitions, propelled stocks in recent months.

Video game publisher Activision Blizzard Inc. said after the market closed Monday that its first-quarter net income increased more than analysts anticipated. Microsoft Inc., at the same time, is almost a deal to buy the Internet Skype telephone service, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Before the opening, the Dow Jones industrial average future are up to 45 points, or 0.4%, to 12,676. S & P 500 futures are rising 5.50 or 0.4%, to 1,348.20. NASDAQ 100 futures are up 12.75 or 0.5%, to 2,399.25.