2/23/2012 6:35 AM ET
(RTTNews) - A reversal of sentiment may be on the cards on Thursday, as indicated by the U.S. index futures, which point to a higher open. Asian stocks closed on a mixed note, while the European markets are holding ground despite the release of mostly disappointing domestic earnings. A positive German business confidence has served to preserve the recent positive momentum. It remains to be seen if the jobless claims data from this side of the Atlantic corroborate the economy's health and aid buying.
As of 6:30 am ET, the Dow futures are rising 16 points, the S&P 500 futures are adding 0.60 points and the Nasdaq 100 futures are advancing 5.25 points.
Macroeconomic concerns and mixed earnings rendered the mood cautious on Wednesday, sending stocks lower.
On the economic front, the Labor Department is due to release its customary jobless claims report for the week ended February 18th at 8:30 am ET. Economists expect claims to edge up to 355,000 from 348,000 for the previous week.
The Federal House Finance Agency, or FHFA, is set to release its house price index for November at 10 am ET. Economists expect a 0.2 percent month-over-month increase in the house price index.
Additionally, the Energy Information Administration is scheduled to release its weekly petroleum inventory report for the week ended February 17th at 10:30 am ET. An inventory report released by the American Petroleum Institute late Wednesday showed that crude oil stockpiles rose by 3.55 million barrels in the recent reporting week.
In corporate news, Hewlett-Packard's fourth quarter earnings and revenues fell from the year-ago period. Although earnings exceeded estimates, revenues were below estimates. The company reiterated its 2012 earnings guidance, which however was below estimates.
Analog Devices (ADI) announced a 20 percent increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.30 per share. The company's first quarter results trailed estimates, while its second quarter guidance was also below expectations.
Express Scripts (ESRX) reported fourth quarter adjusted earnings of 82 cents per share, missing the 85 cents per share consensus estimate.
Fluor (FLR) reported fourth quarter earnings that exceeded estimates, while revenues were slightly shy of estimates. The company reiterated its 2012 earnings guidance that surrounds the consensus estimate.
SM Energy (SM) reported better than expected fourth quarter results.
DryShips (DRYS) reported fourth quarter adjusted earnings, in line with estimates, while revenues also exceeded expectations.
Cimarex (XEC) announced an increase in its dividend to 12 cents per share from 10 cents per share.
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