Stock futures signal weaker open as dollar rises

[December 17, 2009]  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Stock futures are indicating a lower opening on Wall Street following declines in overseas markets after the Federal Reserve indicated it would start pulling back some emergency supports as the economy improves.

Markets in Europe and Asia slipped Thursday as the dollar rose against the euro on speculation the central bank might increase rates sooner than expected.

Investors will receive more insight into the nation's economic recovery as the Labor Department reports on weekly jobless claims and the Conference Board issues its forecast of economic activity for November.

Dow Jones industrial average futures are down 61, or 0.6 percent, at 10,390. Standard & Poor's 500 index futures are down 8.00, or 0.7 percent, at 1,097.70, while Nasdaq 100 index futures are down 14.00, or 0.8 percent, at 1,786.00.

[Associated Press; By IEVA M. AUGSTUMS]

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