U.S. stock futures turned lower after disappointing economic growth numbers unnerved investors.
Dow futures fell 25 points, or 0.2 per cent, to 12,616, while S&P 500 futures dipped 3.10 points, or 0.2 per cent, to 1.347.90. Nasdaq futures fell 6.25 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 2402.75.
The U.S. economy grew at a 1.8 per cent annual rate in the January-March quarter. That was weaker than the 3.1 per cent growth rate for the October-December quarter and the worst showing since last spring when the European debt crisis slowed growth to a 1.7 per cent pace.
Economists had expected a 2 per cent growth rate.
The U.S. dollar fell as well. It traded at $1.4807 to the euro, compared with $1.4789 just before the numbers were announced. Gold and oil rose further.
Also affecting sentiment: News that applications for unemployment benefits jumped 25,000 to a seasonally adjusted 429,000 for the week ending April 23. That's the highest total since late January.
Sonali Verma