U.S. stock index futures fell on Friday at the end of an upbeat holiday-shortened week for Wall Street's main indexes that was driven by expectations around a traditionally strong period for markets.

Wall Street’s holiday cheer ended abruptly today, with all three main benchmarks slumping in a broad-based sell-off affecting even tech and growth stocks that had driven markets higher through much of the shortened trading week.

U.S. stock index futures slipped on Friday, with another quiet holiday session expected. Wall Street put in a muted performance on Thursday, potentially derailing a Santa Claus rally. With less than an hour remaining ahead of the opening bell,