Stock Futures Slip as Traders Look to Take Profits

Premarket futures were predicting a lower open for stocks in the U.S. Wednesday, as traders looked to take profits after a three-day rally in the blue-chip indices and geared up for a day chock full of economic-data releases.

Futures for the S&P 500 were down 11 points at 843 and were 14 short of fair value. Nasdaq futures were lower by 8.3 at 1127 and were 16 below fair value.

On Tuesday, stocks fluctuated following the Federal Reserve's announcement of an $800 billion program to bolster mortgage- and consumer-lending markets. The blue-chip indices finished with gains, while the Nasdaq ended lower. ...