Stocks signal higher open ahead of jobs numbers

[June 17, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks look likely to open higher ahead of a report on jobs and a gauge of future economic activity.

Traders are focusing Thursday on the government's weekly snapshot of the job market. Analysts expect that the number of people putting in new claims for jobless benefits fell last week for a fourth straight week.

Investors are also awaiting the Conference Board's index of leading economic indicators. Economists expect the measure, which is designed to forecast economic activity in the next three to six months, will increase for May after a surprise slide in April.

Dow Jones industrials futures are up 30 at 10,373. Standard & Poor's 500 index futures are up 2.90 at 1,112.50, while Nasdaq 100 index futures are up 7.50 at 1,913.50.

[Associated Press; By TIM PARADIS]

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