US stock futures sag on European debt worries

By Stan Choe

Associated Press

Published: Monday, June 20 2011 6:01 a.m. MDT

FILE - In this file photo taken June 15, 2011, traders Edward McCarthy, left, and William McInerney, right, work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Worries over Europe's debt crisis kept markets on edge Monday, June 20, 2011, following a warning over Italy's credit rating and a failure by eurozone finance ministers to agree an immediate release of bailout funds to Greece.

Richard Drew, file, Associated Press

Enlarge photo»

Summary

Stock futures are pointing to a lower opening as worries about Europe's debt problems continue to fester.

NEW YORK — Stock futures are pointing to a lower opening as worries about Europe's debt problems continue to fester.

Greece needs more cash to avoid defaulting on its debt, an event that would trigger losses for banks that hold Greek bonds. In order to get its next installment of bailout money, euro-area finance ministers say Greece must first further cut its deficit. Such moves have been unpopular, and the Greek government faces a Tuesday confidence vote.

Ahead of the opening bell, Dow Jones industrial average futures are down 62, or 0.5 percent, to 11,876. S&P 500 futures are down 6.60, or 0.5 percent, to 1,259.40. Nasdaq 100 futures are down 9.75, or 0.4 percent, to 2,180.50.

Stock futures do not always accurately predict how prices will change once the market opens.

Comments