* At the same time Bank of America, the largest U.S. bank, posted a $1.79 billion fourth-quarter loss, excluding Merrill Lynch, a report which underscored the continuing impact of fallout from the credit crisis.
* Separately, Citigroup
* Dow industrial futures climb 143 points, while S&P 500 gained 15.50 points, and Nasdaq futures advanced 20.75.
(Reporting by Ellis Mnyandu; Editing by Theodore d'Afflisio)