Russell 2000 futures fall

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures are lower and the small-cap index will open with a decline.

Stocks are set for a bearish opening following news this morning that Carlyle Capital Corp. Ltd, which invests in fixed income asset classes, including residential mortgage-backed securities, has failed to meet margin calls on its $21.7 billion portfolio.

The Russell 2000 had a tame session Wednesday, gaining 2.76, or 0.41%, ending at 683.74. Price action the last several sessions has been sloppy after yet another double top on daily charts back on Feb. 27. Look for support today at 677 and 670. There is minor support below there at 666 and 660, but a decisive breach of 670 opens the door to test the recent low down at 650. On the upside, resistance comes in at 692, then at 701 and 712.

This morning's weekly claims report at 8:30 a.m. ET might attract a little more interest than this report usually would garner, just because we’re facing the big unemployment release Friday.

Here are the biggest percentage gainers and losers in pre-market trading among companies with a market cap between $100 million and $750 million:

Biggest percentage gainers:

• Smith Micro Software, Inc. (SMSI), up 21% on news that adjusted earnings per share beat expectations for the fourth-quarter.
• Flow International Corp. (FLOW), up 18% on news of a rise in third-quarter profit.
• Tessera Technologies, Inc. (TSRA), up 11%.

Biggest percentage losers:

• Union Drilling, Inc. (UDRL), down 21% on news of a decline in fourth-quarter profit.
• Coldwater Creek Inc. (CWTR), down 20% on news of a decline in fourth-quarter revenue.
• SM&A (WINS), down 14% despite news of a rise in fourth-quarter profit.

Kevin Pendley contributed to this report.

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