Wednesday morning showed signs that investors might finally be starting to feel a little more optimistic about the prospects for the stock market. Futures contracts were up as much as 1% on major stock market benchmarks, bouncing back from some fairly steep declines that investors have had to endure recently.

Market participants came into this week focusing specifically on a couple of key companies that were poised to offer their latest financial results. Indeed, positive results from delivery giant FedEx (NYSE: FDX) and athletic footwear stalwart Nike (NYSE: NKE) showed clear signs of financial health not just within the respective companies themselves, but across the broader consumer and business economy. Below, you'll find details on how FedEx and Nike fared and why investors are pleased.

FedEx shares rose about 6% in premarket trading on Wednesday morning as investors reacted to Tuesday afternoon's release of its fiscal second-quarter financial results for the period ending Nov. 30. The air and ground delivery specialist faced tough economic conditions that weighed on shipping volumes and key financial metrics, but the hit wasn't as bad as many investors had feared, and most of those watching the stock seemed comfortable with FedEx's outlook for the coming year.

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Source Fool.com