Jobs lift Russell 2000 futures
The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures are higher on news of an unexpectedly strong October jobs report.
Non-farm payrolls increased 166,000 in October, the U.S. Labor Department reported this morning. That’s significantly above the projected increase of between 80,000 and 90,000 and a welcome sign that the labor market remains strong despite problems in the housing sector. Payrolls rose 96,000 in September.
The unemployment rate is holding steady at 4.7%.
Elsewhere, investors will also be paying attention to numbers on factory orders for September, which will be released by the U.S. Census Bureau at 10 a.m. ET. Economists are expecting a slight decline.
Here are the biggest percentage gainers and losers in pre-market trading among companies with a market cap between $100 million and $750 million:
Biggest percentage gainers:
• RadiSys Corp. (RSYS), up 21% on news of a narrower third-quarter loss.
• Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VNDA), up 19% on news it said it no longer intends to offer convertible senior notes.
• GB&T Bancshares Inc. (GBTB), up 15% on news it is being acquired by SunTrust Banks, Inc. (STI).
Biggest percentage losers:
• Glu Mobile Inc. (GLUU), down 24% on news of a third-quarter net loss.
• Universal Electronics Inc. (UEIC), down 12% despite news of a solid third-quarter.
• Trump Entertainment Resorts, Inc. (TRMP) down 12% despite news of a higher third-quarter profit.
