The index futures were pointing to a modestly higher opening on Thursday, as a lack of visibility worries the market to no end. In the run-up to a series of key economic catalysts kickstarting on Friday, traders may prefer to stay on the sidelines.

U.S. stocks closed mostly lower on Wednesday as recession worries continue to haunt traders. The negativity came despite the yields falling slightly.

The S&P 500 Index declined for a fifth straight session and the Nasdaq Composite has been lower for a fourth session running.

A majority of sectors moved to the downside, while consumer staples, healthcare and real estate stocks showed a modicum of strength.

Here’s a peek into index futures trading:

On the economic front, the Labor Department is scheduled to release its weekly jobless claims report for the week ended Dec. 3 at 8:30 a.m. EST. Economists, on average, expect the number of people claiming unemployment benefits to rise to 230,000 from 225,000 in the previous week.

The U.S. Treasury is set to auction four-week and eight-week bills at 11:30 a.m. EST.

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Stocks In Focus:

Commodities, Other Global Equity Markets:

Crude oil futures were advancing, as the commodity recovered from a four-session slide. A barrel of WTI-grade crude oil traded about 0.72% higher at $72.50.

The Asia-Pacific markets showed lackluster sentiment on Thursday amid nervousness over the U.S. Fed’s monetary policy move and a global economic slowdown. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index, however, stood out with a 3%+ upside.

Stocks in Europe have opened on a nervous note as traders reacted to the uncertainties.

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