By Barbara Kollmeyer, MarketWatch

Weekly jobless claims, home sales ahead

MADRID (MarketWatch) -- Shares of Ford Motor Co. and McDonald's Corp. led the early charge for U.S. stock futures on Thursday, pointing to a rebound for markets after losses endured this week.

On deck later today is weekly jobless claims and home-sales data.

Futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJH5) rose 88 points, or 0.5%, to 17,188, while those for the S&P 500 index (SPH5) added 9.10 points to 2.000.50. Futures for the Nasdaq-100 index (NDH5) gained 9.75 points, or 0.2%, to 4,134.

Wednesday's statement from the Federal Reserve's policy-making committee implied a midyear hike is still a possibility. Read as some by hawkish, that view was enough to send Treasurys and the dollar higher, and stocks tumbling. The S&P 500 index(SPX) lost 1.4%, and even the Nasdaq Composite (RIXF) fell 0.9% as a big gain by Apple Inc. (AAPL) wasn't enough to keep it in the green.

Panic appeared to be receding somewhat on Thursday, though. "Traders are penciling in June for a rate rise from the U.S. central bank, but if energy prices remain weak, it could be pushed further out," said David Madden, market analyst at IG.

"The U.S. recovery is going to plan, but the Fed's decision will be influenced by factors outside its control," he said in a note.

Weekly jobless-claims data is coming at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time, with pending-home sales for December coming at 10 a.m. Eastern.

Corporate moves: McDonald's (MCD) gained over 3% after the fast-food giant announced that President and CEO Don Thompson will retire March 1, and Chief Brand Officer Steve Easterbrook will take his place.

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (BABA) shares dove 6% in premarket trade after worse -than-expected sales gains.

Coach Inc.(COH) shares popped on better-than-expected domestic sales.

Ford(F)(F) shares rose 2% after the automaker posted results.

Shares of Facebook (FB) were up under 1% lower in thin, premarket trade, after the social-networking company on Wednesday reported results that were slightly above consensus.

Qualcomm Inc.(QCOM) shares skidded another 9% after falling in late trade on an outlook-cut from the chip maker.

ConocoPhilips(COP), Callway Golf Co.(ELY) and Harley-Davidson Inc.(HOG) are still to come. Amazon.com Inc.(AMZN) and Google Inc.(GOOG) are coming after the close.

Overseas markets: European stocks came under moderate pressure -- the oil and gas group in particular. Shares of Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDSA) (RDSB) fell 4% after the company said it plans to cut capital expenditure by about $15 billion over the next three years.

Oil prices (CLH5) were flat after nearing six-year lows, while gold (GCG5) prices fell over 1% to $1,269.80 an ounce. The dollar (DXY) drifted lower. In Asia, the Nikkei 225 retreated on earnings and Fed rate-hike worries.

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