Business

U.S. futures edge up ahead of unemployment claims

Posted October 19, 2011 11:00 pm

Associated Press

NEW YORK — U.S. stock futures are edging higher ahead of the government's weekly report on the number of people who applied for unemployment benefits last week.

Economists expect that the number of new applications fell slightly, but will still be above the mark that signals sustainable job growth. Other reports expected Thursday include a tally of home sales in September and an index of leading economic indicators.

Ebay fell 5 percent in pre-market trading after its quarterly results missed Wall Street's estimates. Microsoft will report its earnings after the market closes.

Two hours before the opening bell, Dow futures rose 28, or 0.2 percent, to 11,472. S&P 500 futures gained 4, or 0.3 percent, to 1,210. Nasdaq 100 futures added 5, or 0.2 percent, to 2,323.

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