Wall Street poised for gains
Futures point to higher open after reports showing initial jobless claims fell more than expected and a revised GDP was unchanged.
LONDON (CNNMoney.com) -- U.S. stock futures pointed to a higher open at the start of trading Thursday after reports showing initial jobless claims fell more than expected and a revised GDP was unchanged.
About 30 minutes before the start of trading, S&P futures were pointing to a higher open for the broader market. Nasdaq futures, despite being pressured by disappointing quarterly sales from Oracle, also pointed higher.
Companies in the news include Clear Channel (CCU, Fortune 500), which sued the banks involved in its sale to private-equity firms for pulling out from their financing agreements.
Oracle (ORCL, Fortune 500) reported a jump in profit late Wednesday, but the software firm's sales fell short of Wall Street's estimates.
Lennar Corp. (LEN, Fortune 500), one of the nation's largest home builders reported a 56 cent-per-share loss - its fourth loss in a row, but came in ahead of expectations.
In global trade, shares in Japan finished lower. European markets gained in early trading. 
