Futures were unchanged to slightly lower before Thursday’s open, as world markets ponder their next move while the European Union readies for a pullout of Britain.
Ahead of the opening bell, futures for the Dow Jones Industrials sank four points to 17,620, while futures for the S&P 500 slipped 1.25 points, or 0.1%, to 2,042.25. NASDAQ futures fell 5.75 points, or 0.1%, to 4,357.
Ahead of the opening bell, investors will get quarterly updates from companies including Slim Jim maker ConAgra, Corona brewer Constellation Brands, Olive Garden parent Darden Restaurants and McCormick.
Micron will report after the close.
In Europe, the blue chip FTSE 100 is back to pre-referendum levels, but the FTSE 250 is still way down. The wider index is more exposed to the British economy and gives a better sense of how investors view the U.K.
The pound is firmer against the U.S. dollar at around $1.34, but still about 10% off the high of $1.50 on referendum day.
European markets, elsewhere, are mixed in early trading. Germany's DAX and French CAC are gaining around 0.3%.
Asian markets ended the session slightly higher. The Nikkei was up 0.1% and the yen remains close to all time highs. Hong Kong's Hang Seng ended 1.75% higher.
Oil prices faded 96 cents to $48.92 U.S. a barrel
Gold prices dropped $5.30 to $1,321.60 U.S. an ounce.
