NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Stocks looked set for a slightly higher open Tuesday after the latest housing numbers came in mixed and failed to scare a market already rattled with the inflation jitters.

Stock futures are higher, indicating a higher opening for stocks.

The latest read on the housing market showed housing starts coming in stronger than expected, but a building permits number slightly below estimates.

The Commerce Department said May housing starts registered 1.96 million units at an annualized pace. That's a 5 percent increase from the revised 1.86 million annual rate for April and higher than the 1.87 million rate predicted by economists, according to Briefing.com.

But building permits fell 2 percent to an annualized 1.93 million unit pace, a bigger drop than expected. Economists were looking for a fall to 1.95 million units from April's revised 1.97 million figure.

A number far above estimates could have stoked inflation fears, which have been weighing on stocks since mid May.

"It doesn't have to be below, but it can't be significantly above," said Art Hogan, chief market analyst at Jefferies & Co, prior to the report's release. "It's not at the forefront of the Fed's radar screen, but it's certainly something we'll be watching."

In corporate news, problems continue to plague European aircraft maker Airbus, benefiting shares of its main U.S. rival Boeing (Charts) of late.

Airbus shares took another hit Tuesday as an investigation deepens into delays with the company's giant A380 plane and an aircraft leasing firm threatened to cancel a $5 billion order.

Apple (Charts) is in talks with major Hollywood studios to offer feature films on iTunes. Microsoft (Charts) is also reported to be in similar discussions, according to the Wall Street Journal.

And in an expected move, Delta (Charts) said late Monday it will stop funding its pilots' pensions as of Sept. 2. The bankrupt airline says the savings are essential to restructure, but the PBGC, a government agency that will have to take over what could amount to an estimated $10.6 billion in obligations, has previously objected to the move.

Approval of a bankruptcy court is needed for the plan to take effect.

Overseas, major markets closed mostly lower Monday in Asia, while major European markets also fell in early trade.

Netherlands-based Mittal Steel (Charts) is becoming more confident in its $29 billion hostile bid for Luxembourg-based rival Arcelor, citing increased support from Arcelor shareholders, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Oil prices rose on continued worries over a supply disruption from Iran as the country tangles with the West over its nuclear program.

The July light crude futures contract for NYMEX gained 62 cents to $69.60 in early electronic trading, while the August contract for Brent crude added 74 cents to $68.85.

Treasury prices are flat, with the yield on the benchmark 10-year note at 5.13 percent. The dollar was lower against the yen and the euro.

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Related: A more detailed look at the markets before the open.