Feb 8 (Reuters) - Canada's main stock index futures pointed to a slightly lower open on Friday, despite encouraging Chinese trade data that set the scene for economic recovery. Canadian jobs and housing data both came in weaker than expected. TOP STORIES * After two months of hefty gains Canada's economy unexpectedly shed 21,900 jobs in January, almost entirely in full-time work, according to Statistics Canada data released on Friday. * Canadian housing starts plunged in January as both single and multiple starts fell, particularly in Ontario, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp said in a report that showed the housing market was even weaker than expected. * China's exports and imports surged and new lending soared in January as the first hard data of the year signalled both a solid recovery in domestic and overseas demand, and the risk that inflationary pressures are building. * European Union leaders agreed the framework of a new long-term budget after 15 hours of negotiation, laying the ground for 960 billion euros of spending on agriculture, aid and scientific research in the years ahead. * Credit rating agency Moody's Corp, which could face a federal lawsuit tied to pre-crisis ratings, reported a 66 percent jump in quarterly profit as it benefited from a wave of debt issues. MARKET SNAPSHOT * Canada stock futures traded down 0.04 percent * U.S. stock futures , , were mixed in the range of -0.09 percent to 0.22 percent * European shares, were up COMMODITY PRICE MOVES * Thomson Reuters-Jefferies CRB Index : 302.0176; rose 0.19 percent * Gold futures : $1,668.8; fell 0.1 percent * US crude : $95.98; rose 0.16 percent * Brent crude : $118.12; rose 0.75 percent * LME 3-month copper : $8,235.25; rose 0.58 percent CANADIAN STOCKS TO WATCH * Aurizon Mines Ltd : The gold miner said it was in talks with a number of potential buyers, after rejecting an unsolicited C$780 million offer from Alamos Gold Inc last month. * Oncolytics Biotech Inc : The company said a mid-stage trial of its experimental lung cancer drug showed that 95 percent of the patients experienced a reduction in the size of their tumors. ANALYST RECOMMENDATIONS Following is a summary of research actions on Canadian companies reported by Reuters. * Manulife Financial Corp : CIBC raises to sector outperformer from sector performer after the company reported higher-than-expected fourth-quarter results driven by higher new business strain and higher hedging costs * Fortis Inc : CIBC cuts price target to C$35.50 from C$36 after the company reported disappointing fourth-quarter results due to corporate expenses and lower FortisBC Energy earnings * Cineplex Inc : CIBC raises target price to C$35 from C$32 citing its strong fourth-quarter results, its core business strength and solid management * Shoppers Drug Mart Corp : National Bank Financial ups target price to C$44 from C$43 and CIBC raises target price to C$45 from C$44 on the company's fourth-quarter results and its positive 2013 outlook * Teck Resources Ltd. : National Bank Financial cuts to underperform from sector perform and CIBC cuts target price to C$48 from C$50 on rising coal costs, lower copper production and concerns of a potential M&A ON THE CALENDAR * Major Canadian economic data includes employment change and international trade * Major U.S. events and data includes international trade and wholesale inventories

Source