U.S. stocks were tipped to open higher on Thursday, as a recovery in battered Chinese stocks lifted sentiment, while focus remained on efforts to avert the collapse of Greece.
China's benchmark Shanghai Composite stock index jumped almost 6 percent after Beijing delivered its latest salvo of measures to prop up a market that has crashed nearly 30 percent in the past month.
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The Chinese Securities regulator on Thursday banned shareholders from selling large stakes in listed firms in a bid to stem a slide in Chinese stocks that has sparked fears across the globe about a protracted slowdown in the world's second-biggest economy.
In fact, the sharp selloff has put China risks firmly back in the spotlight, helping send Wall Street shares down almost 1.5 percent on Wednesday.
"Notwithstanding the overnight bonus rally across Asia, the outlook over the next few days is going to be 'interesting,'" Bill Blain, a strategist at Mint Partners, said in a note.
"Some folk are already screaming buy, buy, buy, and there is a vociferous element calling 'this is the bottom'," he said. "There are definitely bargains out there, and the selective brave have their buying boots on! This movie is not over yet."
The recovery in Chinese stocks Thursday lifted Asian shares, while U.S. stock futures traded broadly higher in early European trade. Dow Jones industrial average stock futures were last up about 130 points – indicating a firm start for blue-chip stocks.
On the domestic front, weekly jobless claims data at 08:30 a.m. ET could attract some attention for signs of strength in the labour market following last week's softer-than-expected U.S. nonfarm payrolls report.
There are several Federal Reserve speakers on the calendar, while Fed Chair Janet Yellen speaks on Friday.
Thursday's speakers include Fed Gov. Lael Brainard speaking at 10:15 a.m. ET on regulatory reform; Minneapolis Fed President Narayana Kocherlakota at 6:45 a.m. on fiscal policy; Kansas City Fed President Esther George at 12:30 p.m. on the economic outlook and monetary policy; and Chicago Fed President Charles Evans at 9:30 a.m.
Earnings are also likely to be in focus with PepsiCo and Walgreens Boots Alliance among those companies reporting results.
Elsewhere, the U.S. Treasury is scheduled to auction $13 billion 30-year bond auction at 1 p.m.
European shares, meanwhile, started the day on a strong footing, with focus remaining on developments in Greece.
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Athens on Wednesday formally applied for a three-year loan, with the government later on Thursday expected to present new reform proposals to secure further aid. Euro zone finance ministers will meet this weekend to discuss the reforms.