Stock futures are falling after trade figures from China suggested that the world's second-largest economy is slowing. Investors are also awaiting a report on applications for unemployment benefits in the U.S.

The trade surplus in China narrowed for a second straight month in September, reflecting weakness in both imports and exports. That's a sign that the faltering global economic recovery is hurting China's growth.

In the U.S., the number of people seeking unemployment benefits likely edged up last week, a sign the job market remains sluggish.

Ahead of the opening bell Thursday, Dow Jones industrial average futures are down 54 points, or 0.5 percent, at 11,351. Standard & Poor's 500 futures are down 8, or 0.6 percent, at 1,191. Nasdaq 100 futures are down 7, or 0.3 percent, at 2,290.