Stock futures lower ahead of jobs report

IEVA M. AUGSTUMS, STEPHEN BERNARD NEW YORK (AP) — Worries about rising unemployment have stock market investors on edge. Stock futures fell ahead of the June unemployment report set for release before the market opens Thursday. Economists are expecting an increase. Ovserseas markets were also lower after a report showed unemployment in the 16 countries that use the euro rose to a 10-year high in May. That reinforced concerns that any recovery in the global economy will take time. The U.S. Labor Department's unemployment figures for last month are due out at 8:30 a,m. EDT. Economists expect the nation's jobless rate rose to 9.6 percent last month from 9.4 percent in May. That would mark a 26-year high. The rate is seen as a key barometer in the nation's economic recovery. A moderating unemployment rate would provide further... [read full story]                    

powered by