US equity futures rose ahead of Thursday's opening bell as traders digested economic data and awaited earnings from technology majors Apple (AAPL) and Amazon (AMZN).

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures gained 0.6%, S&P 500 futures increased 1.1%, and Nasdaq futures were up 1.6%.

Oil prices were lower, with front-month global benchmark North Sea Brent crude down 1% at $60.49 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude 1% lower at $57.63 per barrel.

Apple and Amazon are scheduled to report earnings after the closing bell.

New unemployment claims, released at 8:30 am ET, rose to 241,000 in the week ended April 26 from 223,000 in the preceding week, compared with estimates compiled by Bloomberg for a no change.

The April Purchasing Managers' Manufacturing Index, slated for 9:45 am ET, is seen coming in unchanged from the preliminary estimate at 50.7.

The Institute for Supply Management's Manufacturing Index, due at 10 am ET, is seen coming in at 48.0 for April versus 49.0 in March. US construction spending is seen rising by 0.2% in March following a 0.7% uptick previously.

In other world markets, Japan's Nikkei ended 1.1% higher, while UK's FTSE 100 slipped 0.2% in Europe's early afternoon session. The Hong Kong, Chinese and German markets were closed for holiday.

In equities, shares of Roblux (RBLX) were 7.4% higher pre-bell after the company reported improved Q1 financial results and lifted its 2025 revenue projections.

On the losing side, Arvinas (ARVN) shares slumped 37% after the company said it will cut its workforce to reduce costs and reprioritize its vepdegestrant development plan. Westport Fuel Systems (WPRT) shares slumped 20%, a day after the company said it has entered into lock-up agreements with certain shareholders related to the sale of Westport Fuel Systems Italia.