A Peek Into The Markets: U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher Ahead Of Jobless Claims Data

Pre-open movers

U.S. stock futures traded slightly higher in early pre-market trade. Data on initial jobless claims for the latest week is schedule for release at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 8 points to 19,525.00, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 index futures gained 0.50 points to 2,237.25. Futures for the Nasdaq 100 index rose 3.50 points to 4,845.25.

Oil prices traded higher as Brent crude futures gained 0.79 percent to trade at $53.42 per barrel, while US WTI crude futures also rose 0.80 percent to trade at $50.17 a barrel. The Energy Information Administration’s weekly report on natural gas stocks is schedule for release at 10:30 a.m. ET.

A Peek Into Global Markets

European markets were higher today, with the Spanish Ibex Index rising 1 percent, STOXX Europe 600 Index climbing 0.30 percent and German DAX 30 index gaining 0.34 percent. The UK's FTSE index was trading higher by 0.20 percent, while French CAC 40 Index climbed 0.23 percent.

In Asian markets, Japan’s Nikkei Stock Average rose 1.45 percent, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index gained 0.27 percent, China’s Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.21 percent and India’s BSE Sensex climbed 1.74 percent.

Broker Recommendation

Analysts at Deutsche Bank downgraded Fitbit Inc FIT from Buy to Hold and lowered the price target from $18.00 to $9.00.

Fitbit shares fell 1.51 percent to $7.85 in pre-market trading.

Breaking news

• Lululemon Athletica inc. LULU reported stronger-than-expected earnings for its third quarter and announced a $100 million stock buyback plan.



• Tessera Holding Corporation TSRA disclosed that its subsidiary DTS, Inc., has announced the acquisition of All In Media.



• Costco Wholesale Corporation COST reported upbeat profit for its first quarter on Wednesday.



• H & R Block Inc HRB reported a narrower-than-expected loss for its second quarter on Wednesday.