The Dow was on track for a third day of losses Thursday as investors waited on a batch of earnings reports and searched for reasons to drive markets higher.
U.S. stock futures were broadly weaker, with the Dow Jones industrial average and the S&P 500 losing ground, while the Nasdaq inched higher.
That follows Wednesday’s mixed markets close. The Dow fell, while the Nasdaq and S&P 500 both ended with small gains.
Stocks have been off to a rocky start in 2014 while bonds have outperformed. After last year’s big rally, investors are looking for signs the economy will be strong enough to keep the bull market going.
Things get rolling Thursday morning with earnings from McDonald’s and Nokia. Microsoft and Starbucks will report in the afternoon.
On the economic front, initial jobless claims are due for release at 8:30 am, followed by existing home sales at 10 a.m.
European markets were mixed in morning trading, with France’s CAC 40 up 0.2%. Germany’s Dax turned the other way, slipping 0.2%.
Asian markets notched sharp falls following a disappointing report on manufacturing activity in China. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped 1.5% and Korea’s Kospi lost 1.2%. Japan’s Nikkei closed down 0.8%.
