Stock futures slip as enthusiasm wanes

NEW YORK (AP) — Stock futures slipped today as investor enthusiasm that drove stocks sharply higher earlier this month appears to be waning.

A new report indicated growth in manufacturing activity in New York slowed this month. Investors disappointed in the report sent futures lower after the report failed to meet economists' expectations for a modest increase in activity.

The market's rally during the first half of September was built largely on the economy showing modestly stronger growth than was anticipated, even though the reports suggested the recovery remains sluggish. Slow, but steady growth was enough to propel stocks higher.

Major indexes fell late in trading Tuesday to snap a four-day winning streak because of renewed worries about the strength of Europe's economy. Major European indexes fell modestly today.