By Sara Sjolin, MarketWatch
Apple to debut as Dow component
LONDON (MarketWatch) -- U.S. stock futures were slightly lower
on Thursday, indicating markets will take a breather after the
prior day's Federal Reserve-inspired rally that sent the major
benchmarks to the highest closing level since early March.
Later on Thursday, data on jobless claims and the Philly Fed
index will help provide a snapshot of the U.S. economy.
Futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (YMM5) slipped 24
points, or 0.1%, to 17,967, while those for the S&P 500 index
(ESM5) fell 3.10 points, or 0.1%, to 2,090.25. Futures for the
Nasdaq 100 index (NQM5) were flat at 4,420.25.
Fed-fueled jump: The small declines came on the heels of a
volatile session on Wednesday, when the indexes erased earlier
gains to close markedly higher. The moves came after the Fed, as
expected, dropped its pledge to remain "patient"
(http://www.marketwatch.com/story/fed-takes-step-to-rate-hike-but-scales-back-intended-pace-2015-03-18)
about raising rates, but signaled a slower increase in interest
rates than it foresaw just a few months ago.
The central bank cautioned that it will wait to hike rates until
it has "seen further improvement in the labor market and is
reasonably confident that inflation will move back to its 2%
objective over the medium term."
The dollar dropped against its rivals after the announcement,
sliding to its lowest level
(http://www.marketwatch.com/story/dollar-trapped-in-a-tight-range-ahead-of-fomc-outcome-2015-03-18)
against the euro in eight days. The greenback recouped some of its
post-Fed losses (http://www.marketwatch.com/storyno-meta-for-guid)
on Thursday, with the ICE dollar index (DXY) up 0.4% to 98.92.
Economic data: Investors will get fresh data on the labor market
on Thursday, with jobless claims from the week ended March 14 due
at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Economists polled by MarketWatch expect
290,000 filings for unemployment benefits last week, almost
unchanged from the 289,000 the week before.
Current-account figures are also set for release at 8:30 a.m.
Eastern, followed by the Philadelphia Fed's manufacturing index at
10.am. Eastern. In February, the Philly Fed reading slowed to 5.2,
the lowest level in a year, but economists expect a rebound to 8.0
in March.
At 10 a.m., leading indicators for February are due.
Stocks to watch:Apple Inc.(AAPL) is in the spotlight as it
debuts as a Dow Jones Industrial Average component. Shares were off
0.2% in premarket trade. See: What being added to the Dow will do
to Apple's stock
(http://www.marketwatch.com/story/will-2015-be-apples-blue-chip-debut-2014-12-15)
Reporting earnings ahead of the bell, house builder Lennar
Corp.(LEN) is forecast to post fiscal first-quarter earnings of 45
cents a share, according to a consensus survey by FactSet.
And after the market closes, Nike Inc. (NKE) is projected to
report fiscal third-quarter earnings of 85 cents
(http://www.marketwatch.com/story/what-to-look-for-in-nike-earnings-2015-03-18)
a share.
Williams-Sonoma Inc.(WSM) shares could be active after the
retailer late Wednesday reported its fourth-quarter adjusted
earnings rose 10% to $1.52 a share
(http://www.marketwatch.com/story/williams-sonoma-shares-fall-as-west-coast-port-slowdown-dents-profit-forecast-2015-03-18),
in line with Wall Street's average estimate.
Guess? Inc.(GES) also reported after Wednesday's closing bell,
saying its fourth-quarter earnings declined to $53.9 million
(http://www.marketwatch.com/story/guess-shares-jumps-after-profit-beats-expectations-2015-03-18),
or 63 cents a share. Shares of the fashion retailer jumped 12%
after hours on Wednesday, but were unchanged premarket on
Thursday.
Other markets: European stock markets were higher, keying off
the Fed optimism. The Fed statement came out after markets in
Europe closed, making Thursday's session the first chance for
regional investors to react to the news.
Asian markets closed mixed, with stocks in Shanghai extending a
seven-day winning streak
(http://www.marketwatch.com/story/chinese-stocks-advance-further-after-us-rally-2015-03-19).
Gold rallied
(http://www.marketwatch.com/story/gold-rallies-as-fed-signals-slow-pace-of-rate-hikes-2015-03-19),
while crude oil prices slumped
(http://www.marketwatch.com/storyno-meta-for-guid).
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