NEW YORK -- Stock futures are climbing ahead of what is expected to be largely positive news on both the jobs front and the manufacturing sector.
More earnings reports are coming in Thursday from companies like United, Procter & Gamble and Apple.
Dow Jones industrial futures are up 56 points to 13,077. The broader S&P futures have tacked on 7.3 points to 1,412.60. Nasdaq futures are up 16.75 points to 2,667.25.
Before the opening bell, the Commerce Department posts durable goods numbers for September and economists expect an increase. Orders this year have been dragged down by high unemployment and anemic economic growth.
The government is also reporting on unemployment benefits applications for last week. Economists believe applications dropped by 14,000 to a seasonally adjusted 374,000.