Early indicators for North American stock markets were mostly positive Wednesday after Microsoft and Intel filed strong earnings reports.

Late Tuesday, both of the tech bellwethers reported quarterly profits that were two cents a share higher than analysts expected. In the extended-hours trading session, Microsoft rose US$1.14 US and Intel gained US93 cents.

Meanwhile, Montreal-based Alcan said Wednesday its first-quarter profit fell to US$13 million from US$86 million a year earlier.

Wall Street futures suggest a positive start to regular trading. Most Asian stocks closed higher on the back of Wall Street’s latest gains while European indexes were mixed.

Tokyo’s Nikkei Stock Average of 225 issues closed up 40.66 points, or 0.52%, at 7,879.49, as investors bought into technology companies.

Hong Kong shares rose for a second straight session with gains in most blue chips, despite worries about the economic fallout from the SARS outbreak. The Hang Seng Index edged up 43.04 points, or 0.5%, to 8,675.14.

London’s FTSE 100 has dipped 0.28% in early Wedneday action, but Frankfurt’s DAX is up 2.26% and Paris’s CAC 40 is up 1.2%.