Stock index futures drifted lower ahead of this morning’s economic reports.
A regional manufacturing report for New York showed modest growth, but slightly less than expected. The Empire State Manufacturing Survey Index slipped to 4.1 from 7.1 in the previous month. A reading above zero indicates growth. A separate report showed import prices rose faster than expected in August. The Federal Reserve is expected to report industrial production inched higher last month. The report is scheduled for release at 9:15 am ET.