U.S. stock-index futures rose on Monday, with the S&P 500 on track to open at or near a record, as Wall Street greeted a bout of corporate deals and on optimism that the European Central Bank would take further steps to stimulate Europe's economy.
In Jackson Hole, Wyoming, ECB President Mario Draghi on Friday reiterated that the ECB could instigate more monetary stimulus if necessary. Barclays analyst Philippe Gudin described Draghi's speech as a "major event" that marked "a turning point in ECB rhetoric."
Read More'Groundbreaking' Draghi brings cheer to markets
Stocks to watch on Monday include Roche and InterMune, after the Swiss pharmaceutical giant announced an $8.3 billion purchase of the U.S. biotech company on Sunday. Roche will pay $74 billion a share through a tender offer.
Also, Burger King is in talks to merge with Canadian coffee and doughnut chain Tim Hortons in a deal that would create a fast food powerhouse with a market capitalization of roughly $18 billion.
Monday's economic reports include data on new-home sales in July, scheduled for release at 10 a.m. Eastern.
Ahead of the open, a gauge of business activity in the Chicago region rose 0.39 percent.