Oil, Apple Weigh on Futures

U.S. stock futures are dipping again and European markets are slipping in early trading, moving in lock-step with declining oil prices.

Ahead of the opening bell, futures for the Dow Jones Industrials trailed 85 points, or 0.5%, to 15,981, futures for the S&P 500 dipped 7.75 points, or 0.4%, to 1,888.25. NASDAQ futures slumped 24.75 points, or 0.6%, to 4,202.

A range of major global companies will be posting earnings before the opening bell rings, including Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ericsson, Boeing, Progressive and Tupperware.

Another round of reports is due after the market close from companies such as Facebook, eBay and Qualcomm.

Apple reported its most profitable quarter ever on Tuesday, but the results show it has reached the end of an era of unprecedented growth.

Apple said it expected sales in the current quarter will fall for the first time in 13 years. Its shares are dipping by 3% ahead of the open

New data on U.S. crude oil inventories come out around 10:30 a.m. ET, which could have further impact on prices and overall market sentiment.

The Federal Reserve is due to release its latest monetary policy decision at 2 p.m. after a two-day meeting.

Oil prices faded 82 cents to $30.63 U.S. a barrel

Gold prices gained 42 cents to $1,120.33 U.S. an ounce.