Stock futures point to higher opening

[November 24, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Stock futures are pointing to a higher opening as traders wait for a raft of readings on the economy.

Reports are due out Wednesday morning on weekly claims for unemployment benefits, durable goods orders and new home sales. Investors will also get the latest reading on consumer sentiment.

Wednesday brings a large amount of economic data as several reports that normally come out Thursday were moved a day earlier because of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Dow Jones industrial average futures are up 31, or 0.28 percent, to 11,046. S&P 500 futures are up 4, or 0.34 percent, to 1,182. Nasdaq 100 futures are up 4.75, or 0.22 percent, to 2,123.

Stock and bond markets will be closed Thursday for the holiday and stocks will reopen for short sessions on Friday.

[Associated Press]

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