The Wall Street Journal reported today that stock futures were idle as oil rose in Hurricane Gustav's wake. About two hours before the start of trading, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were eight points lower at 11489. The S&P 500 futures were flat at 1282.2, and Nasdaq 100 futures lost 2.25 to 1899.5. Changes in futures do not always accurately predict early market moves after the opening bell. Oil futures added $1.52 to $119.67 a barrel on expectations Gustav will regain hurricane force. One weather research firm predicted as much as 80% of the Gulf's oil and gas production could be shut down as a precaution if Gustav enters the region as a major storm.
