RTRS: US stock index futures point lower; data eyed
* U.S. stock index futures pointed to a drop on Monday following last week's bounce, after grim manufacturing figures from China and as investors braced for U.S. economic data expected this week, including key jobs figures.
* At 0945 GMT S&P 500 futures SPc1 were down 2 percent, Dow Jones futures DJc1 down 1.7 percent and Nasdaq 100 futures NDc1 down 1.9 percent.
* In the latest sign that China, the world's fourth-largest economy, was being dragged deeper into the global slowdown, data showed on Monday the country's manufacturing industry slumped in November as new orders, especially from abroad, tumbled.
* Economic indicators on tap for Monday include ISM manufacturing data for November and construction spending for October. Monthly auto sales are due on Tuesday and non-farm payroll figures will be released on Friday.
* Mining and energy shares will be under pressure on Monday as oil and metal prices fell. Oil CLc1 sank 4 percent to below $53 a barrel after OPEC decided to delay a decision on a third supply cut, while copper and aluminium prices dropped on renewed worries over the health of the global economy.
* Speeches from both U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke are scheduled for later on Monday. Paulson will deliver an update on the economy and the markets at the Fortune 500 Forum, at 2000 GMT, while Bernanke will speak before the Austin Chamber of Commerce's Annual Economic Forecast Event at 1845 GMT.
* The board of General Motors Corp (GM.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) met on Sunday to review a restructuring plan intended to cut costs and win support for up to $12 billion in emergency funding from the U.S. government, a person familiar with the deliberations said.
* Consumers made repeat trips to U.S. stores and spent more on bargains this holiday weekend, but the early rush is unlikely to save retailers from a bleak sales season, analysts said on Sunday. Early results from the Black Friday weekend that kicks off U.S. holiday shopping showed that sales grew both in stores and online, fuelled by repeat trips, heavier online sales and deep discounts from retailers across the price spectrum. [ID:nN30476271]
* Last week, the Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX had its best week since at least 1980 -- jumping 12 percent in a strong recovery from the previous week when the S&P touched its lowest close since 1997. The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI rose 9.7 percent last week and the Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC surged 10.9 percent.
On the year, the S&P is down 39 percent and the Dow Jones industrial average is down 33 percent. (Reporting by Blaise Robinson; Editing by Greg Mahlich)
