S&P 500 stock index futures remained almost flat ahead of Fr...

S&P 500 stock index futures remained almost flat ahead of Friday's employment statistics.

Nasdaq 100 futures fell 0.1%. Futures linked to the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 19 points (0.1%).

These moves are to help traders prepare for the labor statistics to be released on Friday morning. Economists polled by Dow Jones predict that the number of people employed in the non-farm sector will increase by 0.2 million in June, and the unemployment rate will stabilize at 4%. Also, hourly wages are expected to rise 0.3% from May and rise by 3.9% in terms of an annualized rate.

Traders are examining the latest economic data showing economic softening, and what this means for future Federal Reserve (Fed) monetary policy decisions.

Private sector employment growth in June fell short of expectations, and weekly unemployment insurance claims exceeded economists' expectations, according to ADP figures released Wednesday. Furthermore, the service sector announced by the Supply Management Association has shrunk contrary to expectations.

“Quincy Crosby, chief global strategist at LPL Finance, said, “Friday's employment statistics will help clarify the strength of the labor market. “Given that there is other evidence showing that the economic background is cooling down... there is a possibility that employment statistics will become increasingly decisive as the Federal Reserve seeks evidence to suggest interest rate easing.

The three major indices are about to end this week with a rise after consecutive holidays. The Nasdaq Composite Stock Price Index rose by more than 2.5%, and the S&P 500 Index rose by more than 1%. Both closed at all-time highs and set new intraday records on Wednesday.

The Dow remained up 0.5% this week.