Investors are set to adopt a cautious attitude ahead of today's jobs report for March.
Economists are expecting non-farm payrolls in the US to have increased by 205,000 in March, compared to a 242,000 rise the previous month.
The unemployment rate is tipped to remain at 4.9%. Average earnings growth is expected to be unchanged at 2.2% year-on-year.
Spread betting quotes point to the S&P 500 opening at around 2,052, after closing at 2,059 last night. The Dow Jones average is expected to open some 46 points down from last night's close of 17,685.
European markets are off the pace, with weak oil prices weighing on sentiment, and US stocks look likely to follow their lead.
Shares likely to be in focus today include Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA), which unveiled its new model 3 car yesterday, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:HOT), which is likely to open lower after Chinese insurance firm Angbang dropped out of the bid battle, leaving Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR) as the victor.