08:29 AM EDT, 10/16/2025 (MT Newswires) -- US equity futures were higher pre-bell Thursday, with futures of technology sector-heavy Nasdaq Composite outperforming other benchmarks following strong earnings from chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ( TSM ) .

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were 0.2% higher, S&P 500 futures were up 0.4%, and Nasdaq futures were 0.6% higher.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ( TSM ) reported higher Q3 earnings and net revenue that topped analysts' estimates and issued Q4 revenue guidance that also topped projections. The company's shares were up 2% pre-bell.

The US government shutdown, now in its third week, has deprived investors of key economic data.

Oil prices were higher, with front-month global benchmark North Sea Brent crude up 0.4% at $62.17 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude 0.5% higher at $58.54 per barrel.

The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing index, scheduled for release at 8:30 am ET, is seen coming in at 8.6 for October versus 23.2 in September, according to estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

The National Association of Home Builders' Housing Market Index, slated for 10 am ET, is seen coming in at 33 for October versus 32 previously.

The federal agency bulletins on the producer price index and retail sales are likely to be suspended.