Stock futures flat ahead of economic data, ECB meeting

[September 08, 2016]  By Tanya Agrawal

(Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures were little changed on Thursday as investors awaited weekly jobless claims data and a European Central Bank decision that may hint at more monetary stimulus.

* Nearly all analysts polled by Reuters expect ECB rates to remain unchanged, though there is speculation that President Mario Draghi will announce an extension of its 80 billion euro of monthly asset buys.

* The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits is expected to have increased by 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted 265,000 for the week ended Sept. 3. The data is due at 8:30 a.m. ET (1230 GMT).

* U.S. stocks ended little changed on Wednesday, though the Nasdaq eked out another record high close, as investors sought more clarity on the timing of future interest rate hikes.

* Recent economic data, including last Friday's weaker-than-expected jobs report, suggests the U.S. central bank may decide against raising rates when it meets later this month.

* The Fed said on Wednesday afternoon in its Beige Book report of anecdotal information that the U.S. economy expanded at a modest pace in July and August.

* Oil prices rose more than 1.5 percent after U.S. industry data showed a large drawdown in crude stocks, reflecting the temporary impact of an Atlantic storm. [O/R]

* Apple shares were down 0.6 percent at $107.72 in premarket trading, a day after the company unveiled an iPhone 7 with high-resolution cameras and no headphone jack at its annual launch event. [nL1N1BJ0UI]

* Tractor Supply was down 10.5 percent at $74.77 after the home improvement and pet care products retailer lowered its full-year guidance.

* Tesla fell 1.3 percent to $199 after Cowen & Co began coverage of the stock with an "underperform" rating.

A trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) shortly after the opening bell in New York, U.S., August 30, 2016. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

* Nike fell 1.8 percent to $56.68 after Piper Jaffray downgraded the shoemaker's stock to "neutral" from "overweight".

Futures snapshot at 6:46 a.m. ET:

* S&P 500 e-minis  were up 1.5 points, or 0.07 percent, with 115,841 contracts traded.

* Nasdaq 100 e-minis were up 1.5 points, or 0.03 percent, on volume of 10,848 contracts.

* Dow e-minis <1YMc1> were up 11 points, or 0.06 percent, with 12,411 contracts changing hands.

(Reporting by Tanya Agrawal in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva)

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