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Stock futures flat in low volume ahead of data

[December 03, 2014] By Rodrigo Campos

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures were flat in low volume on Wednesday ahead of data on the services sector and as markets focus on readings on the U.S. economy and the upcoming meeting at the European Central Bank.

Separate readings on the health of the U.S. services sector are due shortly after the market open on Wall Street, while ADP's reading on employment creation in the private sector is due at 8:15 a.m. EST (1315 GMT).

Data showed the euro zone economy may face another contraction after business activity grew less than expected in November despite heavy discounting, although Asian readings were more upbeat. The euro was trading at its lowest against the U.S. dollar in more than two years <EUR=>.

Momentum is building for the ECB to launch a program of sovereign-bond buying to boost the bloc's struggling economy with most signs pointing to March for a decision. The ECB meets on Thursday.

On Tuesday, U.S. stocks rose as energy stocks led the S&P 500 and Dow, while Biogen's rally on news about an experimental treatment for Alzheimer's disease topped gains at the Nasdaq. The Dow closed at a record high.

(Reporting by Rodrigo Campos; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)

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