Wall Street set for muted open as jobless claims rise

U.S. stock indexes were set for a subdued open on Thursday after data showed an unexpected rise in weekly jobless claims, while a steady flow of positive earnings reports offered markets some support.

The Labor Department’s report showed the number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits increased by 51,000 to a seasonally adjusted 419,000 for the week ended July 17. Still, the number likely does not suggest a material shift in labor market conditions, with another month of strong job growth expected in July.

Investors have been closely...