Eli Lilly reported asecond-quarter profit that was boosted by higher sales for the antidepressant Cymbalta, which helped trim losses from generic competition to its former top-seller, Zyprexa.

Share prices are expected to open higher as a surprise dip in weekly jobless claims and a strong rise in October consumer spending set the tone for a resumption in the rally in equities, which came to a halt yesterday as investors took the opportunity to lock in gains, dealers said.