U.S. stock futures pared steep earlier losses on Friday, as European and Asian stocks continued this week's global rout.
Energy-related shares were some of the worst performers, as oil prices widened their losses to more than 2 percent. Brent crude fell below $89 a barrel for the first time since 2010, before regaining some losses, while U.S.crude slid to its lowest since 2012.
Comments from Federal Reserve officials on Thursday also hurt the mood. Fed Vice Chairman Stanley Fischer and San Francisco Fed President John Williams both said they expected higher interest rates by mid-2015.
In addition, investors continued to fret over the slowdown in Europe—particularly in Germany, as weak data indicate the "strongman" of the euro zone may be stumbling.
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Friday's economic reports included data that had U.S. import prices falling 0.5 percent in September, versus expectations of 0.7 percent.
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A number of Federal Reserve presidents are lined up to speak on Friday, including Richard Fisher, Charles Plosser and Esther George. The International Monetary Fund's annual meetings will continue into the weekend.