Last updated February 17th, 2009 6:50 AM ET---U.S. stock futures are trading lower Tuesday following the extended weekend, as investors' concerns are being fueled by the possibility of automaker bankruptcy as well as doubt in the new stimulus bill due to be signed today. In order for General Motors (NYSE:GM) and Chrysler to receive billions of dollars in federal aid the two must first submit plans to the government by 5:00 pm Eastern time today. Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT) is due to report quarterly earnings today as is Medtronic (NYSE:MDT), Hospira (NYSE:HSP) and downtrodden natural gas company Chesapeake Energy (NYSE:CHK). The only economic report due out today is the Empire State manufacturing index, which economists anticipate will show a -22.0 number, compared to January's -22.2 figure. At the time of this report, S&P futures are down 17.10, Nasdaq futures are down 31.75 and Dow futures are down 116.00.

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