Stocks set for modest gains as futures rise

By STEPHEN BERNARD AP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) - Stock futures are pointing to a higher opening after members of the Group of 20 nations pledged to cut budget deficits.

The modest gains Monday also come ahead of a big week of domestic economic data, culminating with the monthly jobs report due out Friday. Investors will want to see private sector job growth because any signs of hiring would likely add confidence that the economy is improving.

In the meantime, wealthy nations have agreed to slash budget deficits in half by 2013. They also have said they wouldn't pull back economic support too fast.

Dow Jones industrial average futures are up 16, or 0.2 percent, at 10,120. Standard & Poor's 500 index futures are up 2.80, or 0.3 percent, at 1,077.50, while Nasdaq 100 index futures are up 5.25, or 0.3 percent, at 1,844.50.