Stocks look set to rise on the open this morning, as hope for a strong economic rebound cheers traders.

Comments from a Federal Reserve official about the unexpected pace of the rebound appears to be driving the bullish sentiment.

Old economy stocks, particularly steelmakers, may get a boost from the news that European steel giants Arcelor SA and Corus Group plc, may raise prices again.

In Europe, stocks are mostly flat to down. However, a survey showed that European business confidence reached a six-month high in March. The FTSE is down four points to 5,247. The CAC 40 is unchanged at 4,623. The DAX is down a single point to 5,310.

Overnight in Asia, stocks were mixed once again. The Nikkei gained 196 points to 11,401. The Hang Seng is down 44 points to 10,834.

In M&A news, Saudi Basic Industries Corp. is buying DSM NV’s petrochemical unit for US$2 billion in cash.

Also, the Wall Street Journal reports that South African Breweries plc is in talks with Philip Morris Cos. to buy Miller Brewing for up to US$5 billion.

In other news, CAE announced it has signed a $50 million simulator contract.

For the year ended December 31, McWatters Mining reports that it posted a mine operating income of $3.2 million, compared to $292,000 in 2000.