NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stock index futures dropped on Wednesday after technology bellwether Apple Inc announced that Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs has decided to take a medical leave of absence until the end of June.
* The news was likely to be a major headwind for the market on Thursday and was likely to fuel investor jitters at the start of trading in Asia.
* Nasdaq stock index futures fell as much as 16 points. Apple shares were halted in after-hours.
(Reporting by Ellis Mnyandu; Editing by Leslie Adler)