U.S. stock index futures were off just slightly in early trading Thursday, after the major averages finished the day higher despite escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
The Dow Jones Industrials gained 80 points, or 0.2%, to 33,929.
The S&P 500 increased 8.75 points, or 0.2%. to 4,390.50.
The NASDAQ fell 0.5 points to 14,238.75
The moves come after a volatile start to the week, with markets seeing sharp reversals in some areas day to day. Stocks, and the tech sector in particular, have been in a downtrend in recent months.
On the earnings front Thursday, shares of Best Buy rose 8% after the retailer met earnings expectations and hiked its dividend, and Kroger climbed 5% after beating estimates on the top and bottom lines.
Software stock Snowflake dropped 20% after the company reported slowing revenue growth. BJ's Wholesale, Burlington Stores and Big Lots were all down in premarket trading after their earnings reports.
Markets continued to watch the situation in Ukraine, where fighting entered its second week. Ukrainians maintained the capital city of Kyiv, while heavy shelling hit Maripol and Kharkiv.
Markets have been volatile in recent sessions as investors assess risks to the U.S. economy fueled by Russia's war in Ukraine.
Investors were watching jobless claims, which were expected to total 225,000 last week. Productivity, weekly export sales and the Institute for Supply Management's latest report on the services industry outlook also are on tap.
In Asia, the Nikkei 225 index in Japan took on 0.7%, while in Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index gained 0.6%.
Oil prices rocketed $3.33 to $113.93 U.S. a barrel.
Gold prices hiked $14.90 to $1,937.20 U.S. an ounce.