Futures Lower Before Data, Earnings, Speeches

Ahead of several data reports, speeches from Federal Reserve officials, and a deluge of earnings, a third straight day of sell-offs is looking probable as global markets are bleeding red across the board.

Shares in China and Japan fell 0.62% and 0.64%, respectively, on Thursday, after news that China’s economy posted a slightly-lower-than-expected 8.9% annual growth rate in Q3. Stocks in Europe are worse with London’s FTSE 100 down 1.11% recently and France’s CAC-40 down 1.50%.

Meanwhile, oil futures are trading lower but remain above the psychologically-important $80 mark. Also, the dollar is picking up against an array of currencies this morning; the euro touched above the $1.50 level yesterday but is now lower at $1.4972.

A mass of Q3 earnings reports will hit the headlines today. Key earnings include AT&T, Dow Chemical, 3M, Merck, and McDonald's.

Key Events Today: 

8:30 â€