Stock futures fall, point to lower opening

Stock futures are down, but off their lowest levels of the day, after reports on jobless claims and durable goods orders painted a mixed picture of the economy.

Initial jobless claims fell to 457,000, slightly better than the 460,000 predicted by economists. However, claims are still above levels that would indicate employers are ramping up hiring.

Durable goods orders fell 1.1 percent last month, but the drop was due to a decline in volatile transportation orders. Economists forecast a drop of 1.3 percent.

Dow Jones industrial average futures are down Thursday by 47, or 0.5 percent, at 10,192. Standard & Poor's 500 index futures are down 5.90, or 0.5 percent, at 1,081.50, while Nasdaq 100 index futures are down 13.75, or 0.7 percent, at 1,860.00.