Stocks set for bumpy ride
Futures point to higher open but economic worries persist; investors await Friday's employment report.
LONDON (CNNMoney.com) -- U.S. stocks were poised for a slightly higher open Thursday, but trading could be volatile as investors remain shaken about the economic outlook.
At 4:46 a.m. ET, Nasdaq and S&P futures were lower, although a comparison to fair value suggested a positive start for Wall Street.
Stocks finished a choppy session lower Wednesday after Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said a U.S. recession was possible.
His statements come as investors are gearing up for Friday's closely watched employment report. The report is expected to show a decline of 50,000 jobs in March.
The Fed chief heads back to Capitol Hill today to face more questions about the central bank's role in the rescue of Bear Stearns. He will be joined by executives from JPMorgan Chase (JPM, Fortune 500) and Bear Stearns (BSC, Fortune 500).
Companies to watch Thursday include BlackBerry maker Research in Motion (RIMM), Southwest Airlines (LUV, Fortune 500), Schering-Plough (SGP, Fortune 500) and Live Nation (LYV).
In global trade, shares in Asia finished higher. European markets slipped in early trading. 
