Stock futures point to lower start on Wall Street

By IEVA M. AUGSTUMS - AP Business Writer

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NEW YORK -- Wall Street is looking at a weaker open as investors await retail earnings reports that will give more clues about consumer spending.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reports its third-quarter results before the start of trading. Because of its size, the nation's largest retailer is seen as a key indicator of consumer spending. Its report comes a day after Macy's Inc. reported that its sales improved during the quarter.

Investors will also get news on the job market when the Labor Department releases its weekly report on first-time claims for unemployment benefits.

Richard Drew, file / AP Photo - FILE - In this Sept. 17, 2007 file photo, New York Stock Exchange signs top trading posts on the floor of the NYSE. Wall Street anticipates a stronger open Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, as investors keep rallying around the expectation that interest rates will remain low for some time.

Dow futures are down 20, or 0.2 percent, at 10,239. Standard & Poor's 500 index futures are down 2.40, or 0.2 percent, at 1,093.90, while Nasdaq 100 index futures are down 2.75, or 0.2 percent, at 1,781.00.