Futures Waver on Strong Jobs News, Weak European Sentiment

[Stocks-to-Watch]

Investors got some more evidence that the job market is improving this morning, as the ADP private sector employment survey showed a surprising gain of 325,000 jobs in December, and jobless claims fell 15,000 to 372,000. Sentiment in Europe, however, was mostly weak, as the Euro fell below $1.285 for the first time since September 2010. European banks continue to rely heavily on the European Central bank for loans, and concerns about Spanish debt continues to weigh on the market, the FT noted.

Dow futures were down 29 points at 12,327; S&P 500 futures fell 4.2 points to 1,268.8.

Target (TGT) fell 4% after the company missed monthly sales expectations and lowered its fourth quarter expectations. JC Penney (JCP) fell 10% after lowering its expectations. Barnes & Noble (BKS) fell 25% after news broke that it is considering spinning off its NOOK division.



Original Article Source by Barrons.com