Stock futures lower amid worries about Europe

[October 23, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Stock futures are slightly lower amid deepening worries about European countries' ability to cut their heavy debt loads.

European markets fell Wednesday as protests against austerity measures raised concerns that countries like Spain will not be able to implement policies required to heal their bloated public finances. Asian markets closed higher.

U.S. stocks ended higher Tuesday as investors shrugged off a U.S. report showing consumer confidence dropped to its lowest level since February. Traders focused on corporate earnings and acquisitions.

There are no major economic reports due Wednesday to give more clues on the health of the U.S. economy.

Ahead of the opening, Dow Jones industrial average futures are down 6, or 0.06, at 10,782. S&P 500 futures are off 0.80, or 0.07 percent, at 1,140.90, while Nasdaq 100 futures are off 0.25, or 0.01 percent, at 2,008.25.

[Associated Press]

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