US pre-open: Futures point to early losses after WHO declares a 'global emergency'

US futures had stocks opening lower on Friday as investors continued to monitor and assess the potential economic impact of the fast-spreading Wuhan coronavirus.

As of 1230 GMT, Dow Jones futures were down 0.53%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 futures had the indices opening 0.56% and 0.62% weaker, respectively.

The Dow closed 124.99 points higher on Thursday after stocks were buoyed by a solid rally late in the session despite the World Health Organisation declaring the Wuhan coronavirus a global emergency.

The Chinese National Health Commission revealed on Friday that the number of confirmed cases of the virus had risen to 9,692, while the death toll had reached 213.

The World Health Organization branded the pneumonia-like virus as a global health emergency on Thursday night, citing concerns around the outbreak's continued spread into other countries.

The WHO made the move in order to help the United Nations health agency mobilise both financial and political support to stem contagion.

Markets.com analyst Neil Wilson said: "The WHO's assessment of China’s response to the coronavirus outbreak and advice to governments not to 'unnecessarily' block travel and trade seems to have soothed markets a little.

"Whilst it declared a global emergency, the message seems to be not to panic. The WHO stressed that 'there is no reason for measures that unnecessarily interfere with international travel and trade'."

Also in focus, the United Kingdom will officially exit the European Union at 2300 GMT in what will be one of the most dramatic political and economic shifts in modern-day Europe.

Britain will immediately enter into a "transitional period" wherein it remains a member of both the single market and customs unions as it looks to strike a long-term free trade deal with the bloc.

On the macro front, December's personal income, consumer spending and core personal consumption expenditure figures will be published at 1330 GMT, while January's Chicago purchasing manager's index will be released at 1445 GMT and the University of Michigan's final January consumer sentiment index will follow at 1500 GMT.

In corporate news, Caterpillar, Chevron and Exxon Mobil will report earnings on Friday.