Stock futures rise modestly ahead of opening

U.S. stock futures rose modestly Monday as investors try to extend a market rally into a fifth straight day.

Overseas markets were mixed.

Signs of a strengthening U.S. economy helped push stocks sharply higher last week. The Dow Jones industrial average rose for the second straight week, and posted its best weekly performance since early November after a string of strong earnings and economic reports.

Earnings and economic data will continue to provide traders with insight into the economy throughout the upcoming week.

Lowe's Cos. said Monday its fourth-quarter profit rose 27 percent as it cut costs and saw a slight increase in sales. …