U.S. stock index futures fluctuated ahead of a batch of earnings from technology giants, including Apple and Microsoft.
Futures for the Nasdaq-100 index added 0.2 percent to 4,679.25, on track for a fourth straight session in record territory. The Nasdaq Composite Index ended at an all-time closing high yesterday as markets extended a recent relief rally, which has been spurred by better-than-expected earnings and calm in Greece’s bailout saga. Futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.1 percent to 17,992, while those for the S&P 500 index were up less than 0.1 percent to 2,122.25.
The Nasdaq Composite Index ended at its third record in a row yesterday, rising 0.2 percent to 5,218.86. The Dow added 0.1 percent to 18,100.41 and the S&P gained 0.1 percent to 2,128.28.
The earnings season is picking up pace, with about a quarter of S&P 500 companies releasing results this week. Analysts project a second-quarter profit drop of 5.3 percent for S&P 500 members, less steep than July 10 estimates for a 6.4 percent decline.
MOVERS:
International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM)'s fell 5.4 percent in premarket trading, a day after the company's revenue fell for the 13th consecutive quarter.
United Technologies (NYSE:UTX) fell 5 percent after the provider of high technology products cut its full-year profit outlook as it warned of pressures in its aerospace systems and Otis elevators businesses.
Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) was up 1.7 percent after a tech website said the chipmaker is preparing to lay off several thousand employees, or more than 10 percent of its 30,000-strong workforce.
Harley-Davidson (NYSE:HOG) advanced 5.1 percent after earnings beat estimates.
PayPal Holdings (NASDAQ:PYPL) climbed 0.6 percent in early New York trading, an indication it may extend gains after its trading debut yesterday.
Newmont Mining (NYSE:NEM) and Hecla Mining (NYSE:HL) added at least 1.5 percent, signaling commodity stocks will rebound from a four-day slump.
COMMODITIES:
Spot gold stood at $1,105.70 per ounce today, but yesterday's move has left the market vulnerable to further slippage - possibly paving the way toward $1,000 per ounce.
Crude-oil futures slipped, trading just above $50 a barrel after dipping below that level in earlier trade.