US stock index futures rose this morning despite political deadlock in Italy that prompted a sell-off in European equities and bonds. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke will begin his two-day semi-annual testimony before Congress at 10:00 a.m. Today he will face the Senate Banking Committee. US investors also have a full economic calendar as well. At 10:00 a.m. February consumer confidence numbers come out. Economists expect to see the index rise 2.4 points to 61.0. The housing market will also be in focus. At 9:00 a.m. the S&P/Case-Shiller home price index is expected to show a 0.8% rise in the ...