US pre-open: Futures point to small gains as December rally continues
US futures had stocks recording some small gains on Thursday as traders came back from the Christmas break.
As of 1225 GMT, Dow futures were ahead 0.13%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures were up 0.16% and 0.12%, respectively.
The Dow closed 36.08 points weaker on Tuesday as the truncated Christmas Eve session wrapped up on a mixed note, with the S&P 500 also finishing in the red, while the Nasdaq managed to register a fresh record after its ninth session of gains in a row for the first time since 1998.
Looking back on 2019, IG analyst Chris Beauchamp said: "Once again, markets have played their favourite game, catching almost everyone out.
"As we peer into the crystal ball for next year, the future remains uncertain, but it is fairly certain that 2020 will not resemble 2019."
Markets across Europe, Australia and Hong Kong will remain closed.
On the data front, while mortgage rates ticked up just a tiny bit last week, the move was seemingly enough to dampen interest in refinances.
As a result, overall mortgage applications volume fell 5.3% last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, but were still 128% higher than a year ago - when rates were 87 basis points higher
Still to come, initial jobless claims will be released at 1330 GMT.
In corporate news, Bed Bath and Beyond will post earnings on Thursday.