Stocks: 4 things to know before the open

S&P futures 2014 08 12
Click chart for in-depth premarket data.

Let's get straight to it.

There are four key things you need to know before the opening bell rings in New York:

1. Mixed markets: U.S. stock futures were moving higher ahead of the opening bell but European markets weren't so chipper. Investors are keeping a wary eye on the situation in Ukraine. Russia said it was sending an aid convoy to the east of the country.

There was more evidence of the damage the crisis is causing Germany. The ZEW index of investor sentiment fell sharply this month to its lowest level since December 2012.

Meanwhile, Asian markets mostly moved higher Tuesday. The Australia ASX All Ordinaries led the gainers, shooting up by 1.4%.

2. Oil drifts: Oil prices continue to drift lower, despite raging violence and political turmoil in Iraq. Exports have yet to suffer, and rising U.S. production is providing a cushion against shocks.

Related: Fear & Greed Index

3. Earnings: Kate Spade (KATE) will report earnings before the opening bell while Fossil (FOSL) and King Digital, (KING) the maker of Candy Crush Saga, will report after the close.

Related: CNNMoney's Tech30

4. Monday market recap: U.S. stocks closed higher Monday. The Dow added 16 points while the S&P 500 was up 0.3% and the Nasdaq ended the day 0.7% higher.

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