US pre-open: Futures higher ahead of NFP reading

(Sharecast News) - Wall Street futures were in the green ahead of the bell on Friday as traders awaited last month's all-important jobs report. As of 1225 GMT, Dow Jones futures were up 0.35%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 futures had the indices opening 0.40% and 0.46% firmer, respectively.

The Dow closed 378.08 points lower on Thursday, extending losses recorded in the prior session.

Friday's primary focus will be October's non-farm payrolls report at 1230 GMT, with economists expecting to see a monthly increase of 100,000, marking the smallest monthly increase in almost four years. The unemployment rate was expected to be unchanged at 4.1%.

Tech earnings were again in focus ahead of the bell, with Apple posting better-than-expected quarterly earnings but said earnings had been impacted by a one-time charge related to the reversal of European General Court decision that will require it to pay €13.0bn in back taxes to the Irish government, while Amazon also said quarterly earnings beat expectations after its cloud and advertising units showed strong growth.

Trade Nation's David Morrison said: "US stock index futures are firmer this morning, and markets have steadied after yesterday's sharp sell-off. But it's fair to say that this week's tech results have not been an unqualified success. After a strong start from Alphabet, Microsoft and Meta Platforms managed to disappoint. And while there's been some good news from Amazon, Apple hasn't exactly blown anyone's socks off. So much for the 'Magnificent Six', as we wait for Nvidia to report later this month. The news has certainly rattled investors."

"Today sees the release of significant labour market data in the form of non-farm payrolls, the unemployment rate and average hourly earnings. This is unlikely to affect the Fed's rate decision next week where a 25 basis point rate cut is a near-certainty. But it could well influence the probabilities of a repeat cut in December.

Elsewhere on the macro front, October's S&P Global manufacturing PMI will be out at 1345 GMT, while the Institute of Supply Management's manufacturing PMI will follow at 1400 GMT, as will September construction spending figures.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com