NEW YORK, Oct 15 (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures briefly extended gains on Friday after data showed September retail sales were stronger than expected and consumer prices rose less than anticipated, while October manufacturing was stronger than forecast in New York.
S&P 500 futures rose 3.7 points and were above fair value, a formula that evaluates pricing by taking into account interest rates, dividends and time to expiration on the contract. Dow Jones industrial average futures added 36 points and Nasdaq 100 futures rose 10.25 points.
Futures earlier turned positive after U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said current economic conditions warrant further monetary easing.