Stocks Headed Higher; Oil Prices Decline By Michael Flaherty NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stocks looked to open higher on Monday, helped by lower oil prices, with a lightly staffed Wall Street hoping to extend a year-end rally. Shares of retailer Sharper Image Corp. (SHRP.O: Quote , Profile , Research ) may take a hit after the company lowered its fourth quarter and fiscal year forecast. Boeing Co. (BA.N: Quote , Profile , Research ) shares may rise after news that China Eastern Air (0670.HK: Quote , Profile , Research ) , which commands the country's second largest commercial fleet, will buy six 737-700 jets for about $240 million to meet booming air travel demand. But U.S. insurance stocks could come under pressure on worries over possible claims after devastating tsunami waves killed more than 16,000 in various countries in South and Southeast Asia. S&P 500 futures were up 3.1 points, above fair value accounting for dividends, interest rates and time to expiration on the contract. Dow Jones industrial index futures rose 31 points, while Nasdaq 100 futures gained 6.5 points. "The Santa Claus rally continues uninterrupted," said Barry Hyman, chief investment strategist at Ehrenkrantz, King, Nussbaum. Wall Street has attributed much of the recent run-up in stocks to the typical year-end rally surrounding the Christmas holiday. Hyman added that money managers are fueling the rise by beefing up their portfolios before the New Year. On Monday, shares in European insurers and travel companies took a beating after the disaster in Asia, adding to what was already a record year of losses for insurers. Germany's Munich Re (MUVGn.DE: Quote , Profile , Research ) , Switzerland's Zurich Financial (ZURN.VX: Quote , Profile , Research ) and others said it was too early to assess the cost of Sunday's killer waves, which brought havoc to shores from India to Thailand. Other insurance stocks to watch are Ace Ltd. (ACE.N: Quote , Profile , Research ) and American International Group Inc. (AIG.N: Quote , Profile , Research ) Trading volume is expected to be very light in the U.S. equity markets in what has historically been a quiet week for stocks. U.S. markets were shut on Friday for the Christmas holiday.     Continued ... Quelle "Stocks Headed Higher; Oil Prices Decline" : reuters.com Main page for "Stocks Headed Higher; Oil Prices Decline"