US futures pause for breath as earnings take the spotlight
U.S. stock index futures pointed to a lackluster open on Thursday, following a strong performance seen on Wall Street during the previous session.
Dow Jones industrial average futures traded 13 points higher, while S&P 500 futures gained 0.5 points. Nasdaq 100 futures declined 11 points.
On Wednesday, following a sharp reversal seen Tuesday.
A slew of positive corporate earnings reports helped the Dow Jones industrial average close above 26,000 for the first time, having risen The Nasdaq composite and S&P 500 also finished in positive territory.
U.S. earnings season has started off on a strong note so far, with Bank of America and U.S. Bancorp both posting better-than-expected results Wednesday.
Corporate reports are set to stir up sentiment again on Thursday. American Express and IBM are expected to report after the bell. reported better-than-expected results, while Bank of NY Mellon and posted mixed results.
Data is expected to be just as busy, with jobless claims, housing starts and building permits, and the Philadelphia Fed manufacturing business outlook survey all due out at 8:30 a.m. ET.
President Donald Trump is expected to be in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, where he is set to deliver remarks on the economy and taxes at equipment supplier H&K Equipment.
Meantime, concerns over a potential government shutdown are keeping investors on edge. By the end of Friday, Congress has to pass a spending bill,
However, Democrats and Republicans remain at odds over an immigration bill that the Democratic Party wants to pass.
Elsewhere, , as threats of rebel attacks in Nigeria helped support price movements.