Before the Bell: Futures dip with global concerns in view; Tesla soars

	Click to View in Browser 02/20/2014 Futures dip with global concerns in view; Tesla soars NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures fell on Thursday, pressured by weak results from Wal-Mart as well as global geopolitical and economic uncertainty that gave investors few reasons to buy despite a sharp selloff in the previous session. Jobless claims fall in February payrolls survey week WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell last week, pointing to steadily improving labor market conditions, despite two straight months of weak hiring. Wall Street sees sense in Facebook's $19 billion WhatsApp purchase (Reuters) - Facebook Inc's purchase of fast-growing mobile-messaging startup WhatsApp for $19 billion stunned the markets but analysts said the deal made strategic sense as it will solidify the social network's position as a leader in mobile. Consumer prices rise marginally WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Consumer prices rose in January as unseasonably cold weather boosted demand for electricity and heating fuel, but inflation pressures remained muted. Wal-Mart gives weak forecast amid higher taxes, tighter credit (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc gave a profit forecast for the year that missed analyst expectations and said sales growth would be hurt by reduced government benefits, higher taxes and tighter credit this year. Nelson Peltz revives campaign to split up PepsiCo (Reuters) - Activist Investor Nelson Peltz renewed his crusade to convince PepsiCo Inc to spin off its slow-growing beverage business from its flourishing snacks division, less than a week after the company poured cold water on the idea. World economic recovery struggling to gain traction LONDON/BEIJING (Reuters) - China's vast factory sector contracted again this month and the expected acceleration in euro zone business activity failed to materialize, highlighting the fragile state of a global economy. EU to rule on state aid for 28 airports, airlines by September BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union regulators aim to rule by September whether state aid granted to 28 airports and budget airlines, such as Ryanair, is legal, the European Commission said on Thursday as it unveiled tougher laws to ban public funds for big airports. Euro zone business recovery eases despite price cutting LONDON (Reuters) - An expected acceleration in euro zone business activity failed to materialize this month and firms cut prices again to drum up trade, which may further stoke fears of deflation in the currency bloc, surveys showed. BAE Systems says U.S. business close to 'bottoming out' in 2014 LONDON (Reuters) - Europe's largest defense contractor BAE Systems said its U.S. business was close to "bottoming out" in 2014 after suffering a 865 million pound ($1.45 billion) writedown last year and further pressure from reduced U.S. spending. Related Video Sports Spread: Away is the play in Champions League Breakingviews: BAE investors shoot now, question later Global Investing Ex-Madoff aide testifies at own trial, denies he knew of fraud Luxury travel digs without the hotel A daily digest of breaking business news, coverage of the US economy, major corporate news and the financial markets. Register Today   The latest Reuters articles on M&A, IPOs, private equity, hedge funds and regulatory updates delivered to your inbox each day. Register Today   » MORE NEWSLETTERS - 3 Times Square New York, NY 10036 USA © Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters Ensure delivery of Reuters Newsmails, add mail@nl.reuters.com to your address book. Details Subscribe to other Reuters newsletters. Unsubscribe from this newsletter. Follow us on Twitter Friend us on Facebook Forward to a friend