Futures mixed ahead of crucial jobs report
US stock futures mixed with markets awaiting the jobs report for April
In this Thursday, May 2, 2013, photo, traders gather at a post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Stock markets edged higher on Friday May 3, 2013 ahead of the release of the U.S. government's monthly unemployment report, a key measure of the health of the world's largest economy. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
NEW YORK (AP) -- Stock futures are mixed ahead of a jobs report that could say a lot about where the U.S. economy is headed.
The light volume of trading made it appear that investors were keeping money off the table Friday, at least until the Labor Department releases its April employment report at 8:30 a.m. Eastern.
The report may provide a better idea as to whether the terrible jobs numbers in March were an aberration, or an indication of a rough road ahead.
Dow Jones industrial futures are flat at 14,760. S&P futures have lost a half a point to hit 1,591.80. Nasdaq futures are up 1.25 points to 2,903.25.
Also out Friday are the Institute for Supply Management's index on service companies and the Commerce report on factory orders.
