US stock futures tick lower

NEW YORK, Dec 30 (Reuters): US stock index futures were slightly lower on Tuesday, suggesting the market's recent trend of slight moves and low volume would continue in the next-to-last trading day of the year.
Equities have been trending to the upside, buoyed by strong economic data and the US Federal Reserve's commitment to be "patient" about raising interest rates. After the S&P 500 gained nearly 6 per cent over the prior eight sessions, it notched its 53rd record close of the year on Monday, while the Dow just missed extending its streak of positive sessions to eight.
The speed and scale of the rally could cap further upside, especially in a holiday week, when many traders are out. Volume was expected to remain light, which could exacerbate volatility. The stock market will be closed on Thursday for the New Year's holiday.
A pair of data reports could drive trading. A measure of consumer confidence, which will be released at 10 am EST (1500 GMT), is seen rising to 93 in December from the previous reading of 88.7. Investors will also pay attention to CaseShiller data on home prices, released at 9 am EST. Prices are seen up 0.4 per cent in October.
While overall trading has been light, there has been heavy volatility in both the biotechnology and energy sectors. The trend could continue on Tuesday, with Gilead Sciences Inc one of the most active names premarket. The stock was down 0.3 per cent at $97.05.
Crude oil CLc1 fell 0.8 per cent, building on losses of about 2 per cent in each of the three previous sessions. While the decline is viewed as positive for consumers, it has sharply pressured the energy sector.
Civeo Corp, which provides temporary housing for oilfield workers and miners, said late Monday it slashed its workforce and forecast revenue could fall by one-third as slumping crude prices force oil producers to cut costs. Civeo stock fell 37 per cent to $5.24 in heavy premarket trading.
For the month, the Dow is up 1.2 per cent, the S&P is up 1.1 per cent and the Nasdaq is up 0.3 per cent. For the fourth quarter, the Dow has gained 5.8 per cent, the S&P has added 6 per cent and the Nasdaq has jumped 7 per cent.
Both the S&P and Nasdaq were on track for their eighth straight quarterly gain, the longest for the S&P since 1998 and the longest for the Nasdaq since 1996.
For 2014, the S&P is up 13 per cent and the Nasdaq is up 15 per cent, on track for their third straight annual gain. The Dow is up 8.8 per cent and aiming for its sixth straight positive year. Utilities are the strongest sector of the year, up almost 30 per cent, while the energy sector is the weakest, down 8.7 per cent.