U.S. stock futures rose after Alcoa’s revenue beat analysts’ estimates and investors speculated China may act to spur growth.

Stocks in Europe and Asia rallied as China’s import growth fell to a two-year low in December, bolstering forecasts for monetary easing.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde meet in Berlin as pressure grows to complete a Greek debt swap needed to put a rescue plan in place.

Alcoa rallied. Sales rose to $5.99 billion, beating estimates. The company had a loss excluding restructuring costs of 3 cents a share.

Global Stocks:

Nikkei   8,422 +31.91 +0.38% 

Hang Seng 19,004 +138.56 +0.73%

Shanghai Composite  2,286 +59.85 +2.69% 

FTSE   5,700 +87.32 +1.56% 

CAC   3,217 +89.48 +2.86% 

DAX 6,179 +162.10 +2.69% 

Crude oil: $103.19  (+1,9%).

Gold: $1637.90 (+1,9%).