Stock futures are pointing to a higher opening Monday, following gains in the major markets overseas in what is expected to be a quiet week of trading.
Trading is likely to be light during the Christmas holiday-shortened week, but that can add to volatility. Markets will be closed Friday.
Investors traditionally avoid placing big bets during the last two weeks of the year. Traders are likely to be closing out books and locking in gains from a nine-month rally. Major indexes are all sharply higher in 2009.
