U.S. stock futures were higher Friday morning, pointing to a higher open for Wall Street as sentiment on the economy turned slightly more positive again following jobs data. Increasing commodity priced also helped. But as usually on a quadruple witching of expiration of options and futures session, trading could be somewhat erratic.The smartphone sector will be in focus today after BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIMM) reported results that beat Wall Street estimates but gave a disappointing outlook, and as Apple Inc.'s (AAPL) new iPhone launches today.
Overseas, world stock markets rose Friday, responding to stronger than anticipated U.S. economic data released Thursday. Investors have been in a cautious mood for most of the week amid mounting concerns shares have run up too far ahead of the economy, but Thursday's data helped ease those concerns.
No major economic releases expected today, but later this morning states will release unemployment figures. Meanwhile, the debate over healthcare reforms continues on the Hill.
Finally, Texas billionaire R. Allen Stanford, chairman of the troubled Stanford Financial Group, surrendered to FBI agents in Virginia yesterday and is scheduled to appear before court today.
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