Investors look for hopeful signs

Investors have had little reason to be hopeful during the past two years as the economic news seems to get more depressing by the day. But lately, the stock market has turned optimistic and investors begin the week bracing themselves for any word that the good times may not last.

Stocks appear poised to open higher as Express Scripts Inc. (ESRX) agreed this morning to acquire Wellpoint Inc.'s (WLP) pharmacy benefits management business for $4.68 billion, proving that the once-moribund mergers and acquisitions market is showing signs of life.