Futures tumble on stalemate in Washington
US stock futures slide hard after GOP calls off vote on raising taxes on wealthier Americans
John Liotti, right, works with fellow traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012. Another failed attempt find a compromise in U.S. budget negotiations sent world stock markets plummeting Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 as investors feared the world's largest economy could teeter into recession if no deal is found. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
NEW YORK (AP) -- U.S. stock futures are moving sharply lower after GOP leaders unexpectedly postponed a vote on legislation that would raise taxes on wealthier Americans, bringing the country closer to the so-called fiscal cliff.
Dow Jones industrial futures are down 163 points to 13,104. The broader S&P futures have given up 19 points to 1,421.60. Nasdaq futures are down 34.50 points to 2,665.50.
House Speaker John Boehner conceded late Thursday that there were not enough votes from GOP lawmakers for his plan that would have allowed higher tax rates for loftier income ranges.
That went against a hardline pledge from House Republicans to prevent any such increase.
If no deal is reached, tax hikes will occur at the start of the year along with deep spending cuts, which could trigger a recession.
