Stock futures point to quiet Wall Street opening

[July 08, 2009]  SUN VALLEY, Idaho (AP) -- The stock market is heading toward a modestly higher start as investors wait for aluminum maker Alcoa to give some guidance about the economy.

U.S. stock futures are slightly higher Wednesday, while overseas markets mostly are down.

The uptick in futures means Wall Street might rebound from Tuesday's sharp drop, but there's likely to be little conviction in the buying. Investors want to see what Alcoa Inc. has to say about the economy in its earnings report.

World leaders including President Barack Obama will be discussing the global economy as they start a three-day meeting in Italy.

Dow Jones industrial average futures are up 12, or 0.2 percent, at 8,143, while the broader Standard & Poor's 500 index futures are up 2.10, or 0.2 percent, at 881.40. Nasdaq 100 index futures are up 2.75, or 0.2 percent, at 1,410.75.

[Associated Press; By IEVA M. AUGSTUMS]

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.