Stock futures point to lower start on Wall Street

[November 12, 2009]  LONDON (AP) -- Wall Street is looking at a weaker open as investors await retail earnings reports that will give more clues about consumer spending.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reports its third-quarter results before the start of trading. Because of its size, the nation's largest retailer is seen as a key indicator of consumer spending. Its report comes a day after Macy's Inc. reported that its sales improved during the quarter.

Investors will also get news on the job market when the Labor Department releases its weekly report on first-time claims for unemployment benefits.

Dow futures are down 20, or 0.2 percent, at 10,239. Standard & Poor's 500 index futures are down 2.40, or 0.2 percent, at 1,093.90, while Nasdaq 100 index futures are down 2.75, or 0.2 percent, at 1,781.00.

[Associated Press; By IEVA M. AUGSTUMS]

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