Stock futures dip ahead of jobs, inflation data

[September 17, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Investors again appear ready to put the market's September rally on hold, at least temporarily, as they await key readings on unemployment, inflation and manufacturing.

Stock futures are falling modestly.

Strong reports Thursday could provide the same spark to extend the rally that has seen the Dow Jones industrial average rise nine of the past 11 days.

Futures also fell Wednesday and stocks opened the day lower, but an upbeat report on industrial production turned the market around and major indexes closed with modest gains.

Dow Jones industrial average futures are down 19, or 0.2 percent, at 10,490. S&P 500 futures are down 3, or 0.2 percent, at 1,118, while Nasdaq 100 futures are down 2, or 0.1 percent, at 1,938.

[Associated Press; By STEPHEN BERNARD]

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