US stock futures edge higher ahead of Italian vote

US stock futures edge higher ahead of confidence vote in Italy
NEW YORK (AP) -- U.S. stock futures are edging higher ahead of a key confidence vote in Italy.

Italian bond yields spiked this week, a sign that Europe's debt crisis is far from over. Unlike Greece, Portugal or Ireland -- all of which received financial lifelines -- Italy has too much debt to be rescued by its European neighbors.

Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi's main coalition ally urged him to step aside Tuesday ahead of a vote that could force his resignation. Many investors believe a new government would enact additional austerity measures.

Dow futures were up 65 points, or 0.5 percent, to 12,073 two hours before the market opened. S&P 500 futures rose 7, or 0.6 percent, to 1,264. Nasdaq 100 futures gained 19, or 0.8 percent, to 2,388.