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* Major indexes fell sharply on Friday, with the
S&P 500 suffering its biggest one-day loss in about two months
after the U.S. nonfarm payrolls report for February showed jobs
growth that was much stronger than expected. That was seen as
possibly putting pressure on the Federal Reserve to act soon, as
the central bank said it would raise rates when the economy is
strong enough to support it.
* While a stronger economy is better for stocks in the long run,
investors are worried that if the Fed raises rates too soon, it
could dampen growth in an economy that has been slow to recover.
* The S&P 500 has fallen for two straight weeks, but remains
about 2 percent from its record closing high. The Dow is also
near record levels, while the Nasdaq is 2.4 percent below its
record close, which was hit in March 2000.
* Premarket volume was light, suggesting investors were
reluctant to jump in at current levels. That could amplify
market volatility, as could this week's economic data, including
retail sales and consumer sentiment, which may provide further
insight into the Fed's timing plans.
* Apple Inc <AAPL.O> rose 1.1 percent to $128 in premarket
trading. The company will be in particular focus on Monday amid
its "Spring Forward" event. Investors are looking for details
about its Apple Watch product.
* U.S. shares of BlackBerry fell 4.3 percent to $10.21 in
premarket trading after Goldman Sachs downgraded the company to
"sell," expecting the smartphone maker's losses to widen in
2016.
* Whiting Petroleum Corp rose before the bell. Late Friday, the
Wall Street Journal reported that the company was seeking a
possible buyer, though a person familiar with the board's
thinking told Reuters he was not aware of any such plan.
Futures snapshot at 6:49:
* S&P 500 e-minis were down 3.5 points, or 0.17 percent, with
90,817 contracts changing hands.
* Nasdaq 100 e-minis were down 7.25 points, or 0.16 percent, in
volume of 15,287 contracts.
* Dow e-minis were down 32 points, or 0.18 percent, with
13,660 contracts changing hands.
(Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
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