The labor market has come under scrutiny after an unexpected rise in the jobless rate sparked recession fears nearly a month ago.

Stock futures are falling in early trading Wednesday with the economy and tumbling AI stock prices serving up a twin threat to markets. The three main indexes had their worst day in more than a month on Tuesday, dragged down by weak ISM manufacturing data, which reignited fears that the U.S. economy is slowing.

US stock indices edged lower on Wednesday on fresh worries over the US economy. At the opening bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 64.87 points, or 0.16%, to 40,872.06. The S&P 500 fell by 22.25 points, or 0.40%, at 5,506.68, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 120.58 points, or 0.70%, to 17,015.71.