US futures decline after jobs data

Futures on major U.S. stock indices point to lower opening on Friday after a government report showed that the unemployment rate unexpectedly increased in November.

Futures on the S&P 500 are down 0.40 percent, futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average are down 0.32 percent and Nasdaq100 futures are down 0.41 percent.

At 8:30 a.m. EDT, the Labor Department reported that the unemployment rate rose to 9.8 percent in November from 9.6 percent in the previous month. Nonfarm payrolls rose by 39,000 in November compared to upwardly revised 172,000 jobs gained in October, and far below analysts’ estimation of 140,000 jobs.

Other economic data including ISM Non-manufacturing index and monthly factory orders are due to be released after the markets open.

US stocks rallied for a second straight session on Thursday as traders' sentiment was buoyed by some strong November chain-store retail sales figures and by the European Central Bank (ECB) to maintain liquidity safety measures for troubled banks.

The euro advanced 0.96 percent to 1.3336 against the dollar and the yen gained 1.33 percent against the greenback.

Crude oil futures declined 0.34 percent to $87.70/barrel and gold futures advanced 0.71 percent.

European stock markets are currently trading lower with FTSE 100 down by 30.31 points, DAX30 down by 29.38 points and CAC 40 down by 5.72 points.