Employment Situation Report and Consumer Credit

Equity futures are firmly higher this morning ahead of February employment numbers. Payrolls are expected to continue declining but investors are reacting positively to news that the Bank of Japan could initiate measures to protect the economy from deflation.

Overseas markets have been positive across the board, including a 2.20% gain in Japan, a 1.03% gain in Hong Kong, and gains of around 1% in Europe.

“The Nikkei posted its strongest week of the year as the yen weakened amid speculation that the BoJ will undertake further easing,” noted analysts from BMO. “Meantime, a successful 10-year bond sale by Greece (which raised €5 bln), and stronger-than-expected factory data, are giving Europe a lift, though the euro is little changed.”

Two hours before the opening bell, Dow futures are up 35 points to 10,466 while S&P 500 futures are off 5.10 points to 1,127.40.

Commodities remain mixed. WTI crude oil is up 46 cents to $80.67 per barrel but Spot Gold is down $9.60 per ounce to $1,133.70.

Key Events Today:

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