Stocks set for rough open
Futures decline ahead of key inflation reading; dollar slides further against euro, yen.
LONDON (CNNMoney.com) -- Stock futures fell early Friday as investors watched the dollar slide further and awaited a key inflation reading.
At 5:01 a.m. ET, Nasdaq and S&P futures were lower, pointing to a tough open for Wall Street.
The mood in the market is likely to be set by the Consumer Price Index, due out at 8:30 a.m. The closely watched inflation gauge comes ahead of the Federal Reserve's meeting next Tuesday.
Stocks managed to end Thursday's session higher as investors bet that the worst of the writedown storm that has battered financials was over.
But the weak dollar and concerns about a protracted economic downturn in the U.S. kept investors nervous.
The dollar again fell below 100 yen to hit its lowest level in more than 12 years against the Japanese currency. The euro marched higher to another record of $1.5651.
Asian markets tumbled, with Japan's Nikkei losing 1.5%. European stocks edged higher in early trading. 
-
Not even ultra-dapper President Obama could help Hartmarx, the Chicago-
based clothing maker. More -
The company has gone to the chickens despite producing 42 million dozen table eggs per year. More -
This Bay-area town sought assistance after plunging property tax revenue left coffers empty. More -
The bloom is off this celebrity florist as corporate budgets for flower arrangements disappear. More -
Isn't it ironic that a company with a mission to help others avoid bankruptcy was unable to help itself? More
