U.S. stock index futures pointed to a lower open on Wall Street on Wednesday, on mounting worries over the impact of the recession on companies after Alcoa Inc (AA.N) said it will slash more than 15,000 jobs as it reduces aluminum production.
* At 0938 GMT, futures for the S&P 500 futures SPc1, Dow Jones futures DJc1 and Nasdaq 100 NDc1 were down between 0.7 and 0.8 percent.
* Alcoa, the largest U.S. aluminum producer, said late on Tuesday it will cut more than 15,000 jobs, halve capital spending and sell four businesses as it reduces aluminum production in the face of the global economic downturn. The cuts, the third in as many months, come less than a week before Alcoa is scheduled to report its fourth-quarter results.
* Alcoa shares traded in Frankfurt (ALU.F) were down 3.7 percent.
* The banking sector will be in focus after top U.S. lender Bank of America (BAC.N) sold a $2.83 billion stake of its holding in China Construction Bank (0939.HK) on Wednesday, as it seeks to raise cash to weather a dismal market at home.
* Economic indicators on tap for Wednesday include the ADP national employment report for December, coming two days ahead of key monthly payrolls and unemployment data.
* Companies reporting earnings include Family Dollar (FDO.N), Monsanto Co (MON.N) and Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY.O).
* U.S. stocks advanced on Tuesday on the increased likelihood of a government stimulus package after the release of minutes from the last Federal Reserve policy meeting painted a grim picture of the U.S. economy.
* The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI ended up 62.21 points, or 0.7 percent, to 9,015.10. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index .SPX gained 7.25 points, or 0.8 percent, to 934.70. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC added 24.35 points, or 1.5 percent, to 1,652.38.
* The Dow has risen six of the last eight trading sessions and is down 28 percent from one year ago. (Reporting by Blaise Robinson; Editing by David Holmes)
