NEW YORK (AP) — Stock futures are edging higher ahead of new data expected to show that hiring and home building continue to ramp up in the U.S.
Dow Jones industrial futures are up 15 points to 13,452. The broader S&P futures have added 2.9 points to 1,468.50. Nasdaq futures are up 6.75 points to 2,732.75.
Another round of bank earnings arrived Thursday with mixed results.
Bank of America was dragged down by mortgage settlements in the fourth quarter, though it had already warned its shareholders of that. But it fell well short on revenue expectations and shares are edging down early.
Fifth Third Bancorp topped Wall Street expectations and Citigroup is scheduled to report earnings before the opening bell.
Economists expect the government to report increasing activity from homebuilders, and declining unemployment applications.
