Futures, stocks climb as debt, energy worries ease

U.S. equity futures rose with stocks Thursday, bolstered by progress on U.S. debt-ceiling talks and Russia’s offer to ease Europe’s energy crunch. Treasuries were steady ahead of key jobs data.

U.S. equity futures rose with stocks Thursday, bolstered by progress on U.S. debt-ceiling talks and Russia’s offer to ease Europe’s energy crunch. Treasuries were steady ahead of key jobs data. 

Nasdaq contracts led gains among U.S. gauges, with Apple Inc. and Facebook Inc. up in premarket trading. European equities rebounded, with the European Central Bank said to be studying a new bond-buying program as emergency programs are phased out. A bounce in Hong Kong-listed technology firms boosted Asian stocks.

Markets have been buffeted in the past month by worries about the energy crisis, elevated inflation, reduced stimulus and slower growth. The prospect of a deal to boost the U.S. debt limit into December is easing concern over political bickering, while Friday’s payrolls report may shed light on the the Federal Reserve’s timeline to cut bond purchases.

Oil extended its decline from a seven-year high as U.S. stockpiles grew more than expected, and European natural gas prices tumbled on signals from Russia it may increase supplies to the continent. The yield on the U.S. 10-year Treasury note was steady, as was the dollar. 

Also boosting sentiment on Thursday, ECB Governing Council member Yannis Stournaras said that investors shouldn’t expect premature interest-rate increases from the central bank.