Before the Bell: Consumer spending measure rises solidly

	Click to View in Browser 01/14/2014 Consumer spending measure rises solidly WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A gauge of U.S. consumer spending rose more than expected in December, suggesting the economy gathered steam at the end of last year and was poised for stronger growth in 2014. Futures add to gains after retail sales data NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures added to gains on Tuesday, after December retail sales came in ahead of expectations. Wells Fargo profit beats estimates as provisions drop (Reuters) - Wells Fargo & Co , the biggest U.S. mortgage lender, reported a better-than-expected 11 percent rise in fourth-quarter profit as bad-loan provisions fell steeply, helping to make up for a big drop in mortgage lending. JPMorgan profit beats estimates on lower costs, provisions (Reuters) - JPMorgan Chase & Co reported a better-than-expected adjusted quarterly profit as the biggest U.S. bank kept a lid on costs and set aside less money to cover bad loans. GM's global sales rise four percent in 2013 DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Co said on Tuesday its global sales grew 4 percent in 2013 on strong demand in the world's two largest auto markets, China and the United States. JPMorgan commodity risk higher in fourth-quarter NEW YORK, Jan 14 - JPMorgan Chase & Co slightly raised its commodity trading risk for the first time since last spring in the fourth quarter, even as it exits the physical commodities trading business, its quarterly results showed on Tuesday. Import prices flat in December WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. import prices were unexpectedly flat in December as the cost of petroleum fell marginally, still showing no signs of imported inflation pressures. Earnings worries dent global stocks LONDON (Reuters) - Global shares fell on Tuesday as weak earnings pre-announcements in the United States fuelled worries that the upcoming reporting season may disappoint, leaving some indexes looking expensive after a bumper 2013. Charter takes rejected Time Warner Cable bid to investors NEW YORK (Reuters) - Charter Communications Inc on Monday formally offered to acquire larger rival Time Warner Cable for $37.3 billion, sparking what is likely to be a contentious battle for control of the No. 2 U.S. cable operator. Exclusive: Valeant, Actavis, Mylan eye Pfizer's generics unit NEW YORK (Reuters) - Drugmakers Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc , Actavis Plc and Mylan Inc have all expressed interest in buying Pfizer Inc's branded generics business, but no active discussions are going on at this time, according to three people close to the matter. Related Video Breakingviews: German investment drought imperils growth Reuters Today: How will Hollande handle the press? Global Investing Fed taper may be vindicated, but watch from a distance: James Saft Consumers vent frustration and anger at Target data breach A daily digest of breaking business news, coverage of the US economy, major corporate news and the financial markets. Register Today   The latest Reuters articles on M&A, IPOs, private equity, hedge funds and regulatory updates delivered to your inbox each day. Register Today   » MORE NEWSLETTERS - 3 Times Square New York, NY 10036 USA © Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters Ensure delivery of Reuters Newsmails, add mail@nl.reuters.com to your address book. Details Subscribe to other Reuters newsletters. Unsubscribe from this newsletter. Follow us on Twitter Friend us on Facebook Forward to a friend