08:52 AM EDT, 08/01/2024 (MT Newswires) -- US equity futures rose ahead of Thursday's opening bell, with investor sentiment buoyed by upbeat quarterly earnings from social media giant Meta Platforms ( META ) .

The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures shares gained 0.2%, S&P 500 futures increased 0.5%, and Nasdaq futures were up 0.6%.

Meta Platfroms reported late Wednesday Q2 earnings and revenue that topped analysts' estimates.

Oil prices were higher, with front-month global benchmark North Sea Brent crude up 0.5% at $81.26 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude up 0.5% at $78.33 per barrel.

New unemployment claims, released at 8:30 am ET, rose to 249,000 in the week ended July 27 from 235,000 claims in the preceding week, compared with estimates compiled by Bloomberg for a smaller increase to 236,000.

Nonfarm productivity increased at a 2.3% annualized rate in Q2 versus a 0.4% growth in Q1 and estimates for a 1.8% rise, while unit labor costs slowed to a 0.9% growth rate for the quarter from 3.8% previously, compared with forecasts for a 1.7% increase.

The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' index, slated for 9:45 am ET, is expected to come in at 49.5 for July following a 51.6 level in the prior month.

The Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing index, due at 10 am ET, is seen coming in at 48.8 in July versus 48.5 in June.

In other world markets, Japan's Nikkei closed 2.5% lower, Hong Kong's Hang Seng ended 0.2% lower, and China's Shanghai Composite finished 0.2% lower. Meanwhile, the UK's FTSE 100 flatlined, and Germany's DAX index fell 1.1% in Europe's early afternoon session.

In equities, shares of Meta Platforms ( META ) were 8% higher pre-bell. Ferrari ( RACE ) shares increased 4% after the company reported Q2 adjusted profit and revenue that topped analysts' estimates, and raised its full-year 2024 guidance. CareDx ( CDNA ) shares advanced 24% on stronger Q2 financial results and higher fiscal 2024 revenue guidance.

On the losing side, Moderna ( MRNA ) shares fell 14% on lower Q2 revenue. Udemy ( UDMY ) stock was 16% lower after the company posted a wider Q2 adjusted net loss. Teladoc Health ( TDOC ) shares were down 20% after the company reported weaker Q2 financial results.