09:04 AM EDT, 07/10/2025 (MT Newswires) -- US equity futures were nearly flat before Thursday's opening bell following the release of the weekly jobless claims report while the global tariff situation remained a focal point for investors.

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were down 0.2%, S&P 500 futures were 0.1% lower, while Nasdaq futures were also down 0.1%.

US President Donald Trump threatened to slap a 50% tariff on imports from Brazil, according to a letter he posted on Truth Social.

Oil prices were lower, with front-month global benchmark North Sea Brent crude down 0.6% at $69.75 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude 0.8% lower at $67.85 per barrel.

The weekly unemployment claims report, released at 8:30 am ET, showed jobless claims fell to 227,000 in the week ended July 5 from 232,000 in the prior week, compared with estimates compiled by Bloomberg for a rise to 235,000.

In other world markets, Japan's Nikkei closed 0.4% lower, Hong Kong's Hang Seng ended 0.6% higher, and China's Shanghai Composite finished 0.5% higher. Meanwhile, the UK's FTSE 100 was up 0.9%, and Germany's DAX index was flat in Europe's early afternoon session.

In equities, shares of Delta Air Lines ( DAL ) were 12% higher pre-bell after the carrier reported Q2 adjusted earnings and revenue that topped analysts' estimates. Nurix Therapeutics ( NRIX ) stock was up 12%, a day after the company reported improved fiscal Q2 financial results.

On the losing side, Helen of Troy (HELE) shares were 31% lower after the company reported lower fiscal Q1 adjusted earnings and revenue. Methode Electronics ( MEI ) stock was down 19% after the company reported late Wednesday a wider fiscal Q4 adjusted loss amid lower sales.