Stock Futures Tumble In Wake Of Weak China Data

U.S. stock futures fell sharply in early trading on Wednesday, on the heels of data showing a preliminary measure of Chinese factory output in September at the lowest since the financial crisis. Futures for the Dow industrials dropped 147 points, or 0.9%, to 16,082, while those for the S&P 500 index [s:esz5] fell 18.35 points, or 0.9%, to 1,913.50. Futures for the Nasdaq 100 index slid 40.50, or 0.9%, to 4,226.75. U.S. stocks closed sharply lower on Tuesday as a slump in commodity prices fueled concerns over slowing global growth. "The Fed's decision to keep the base rate unchanged last week has left an aura of doubt with matters not helped by continuing weakness in China," wrote Jonathan Sudaria, dealer at London Capital Group. WTI oil futures fell 50 cents to $46.13.