Small cap futures down
The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures down and the small-cap index will open lower despite news of a larger-than-expected narrowing of the U.S. current account deficit.
The U.S. third-quarter current account deficit fell to $178.5 billion from a downwardly revised $188.9 billion in the second quarter, according to the Commerce Department. Economists were expecting to the deficit to shrink to $184 billion.
The current account is the sum of the balance of trade, net factor incomes and net transfer payments. The balance of trade is by far the most important component. Both government and private payments are included in the calculation.
Investors will also be paying attention to the National Association of Home Builders’ housing market index.
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:
• KongZhong Corp. (KONG), up 15% on news of improved fourth-quarter revenue guidance.
• China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (CSUN), up 10% on news it has received strong initial results during commercial production of its selective emitter cells.
• Abington Bancorp, Inc. (ABBC), up 9%.
Biggest percentage losers:
• Retalix Ltd. (RTLX), down 6%.
• Dendreon Corp. (DNDN) down 5%.
• Vital Signs, Inc. (VITL) down 4%.
