Futures point higher after previous day's rout

NEW YORK Stock futures are rebounding after a triple-digit sell-off on the Dow, with U.S. markets paying close attention to central bank actions overseas.

Also on Thursday, the U.S. government releases data on weekly unemployment benefit claims, productivity and the trade deficit.

Dow Jones industrial futures are up 40 points to 14,676. S&P futures have added 4.4 points to 1,581.70. Nasdaq futures are up 8.75 points to 2,872.25.

Markets have already priced in an interest rate cut from the European Central Bank, particularly after signs that the continent's economic powerhouse, Germany, is being stressed.

Should a rate cut fail to materialize, however, it could quickly reverse early gains in U.S. markets.

Investors will have plenty to digest on the corporate front in the U.S., with General Motors, Kellogg and LinkedIn posting earnings.