U.S. index futures were solidly pointing to a higher open by Wall Street stocks on Thursday, which happens to be the penultimate trading session of the year.
US stocks closed lower on Wednesday, with the Nasdaq tumbling to a 2022 closing low.
Investors assessed increasing Covid-19 cases in China, and mixed economic reports.
The CNN Money Fear and Greed index showed an increase in the fear level among investors after US stocks closed sharply lower on Wednesday.
Energy was the worst performer in the S&P 500 index following a decline in oil and natural gas prices. The stock market is on course to record its worst year since 2008.
Southwest Air (LUV) - The airlines holiday-cancellation woes continue without end in sight. Late last week, Southwest was forced to cancel nearly 70% of its flights. Travelers remain stuck around