Stock futures rise as investors digest more earnings reports

Stock futures increased in overnight trading as investors digest more quarterly reports from companies such as United Airlines.

The futures on the index added about 70 points. The S&P 500 futures were little changed and the Nasdaq 100 futures were little changed.

The first-quarter reports drove after-hours moves. United added more than 7% after it said it would make a profit in 2022.

There was a mixed regular trading session Wednesday. The technology-laden Nasdaq was dragged down 1% by the post-report plunge of streaming service provider Netflix, while the blue-chip index was boosted by strong earnings from consumer products giant P&G. The S&P 500 finished flat.

After the streamer reported its first subscriber loss in more than a decade, its shares fell the most since 2004. Disney and other streaming companies fell.

Dave Grecsek, managing director in investment strategy and research at wealth management firm Aspiriant, said that the market continues to be split between defensive and value-style companies. Some of the more growth-style tech names are going to be struggling.

The investors are waiting for reports from companies like AT&T and American Airlines.

The weekly jobless claims are due to be released Thursday morning.