The sentiment for U.S. stock session

U.S. stock index futures were higher on Thursday morning, as traders eyed the release of another batch of data and some earnings in the retail sector. Shares of energy producers are likely to continue to rise after the price of oil traded near its highest level in six months. AA, ABX, FCX, CVX and CAT will probably start with promotions. Caterpillar Inc, the world's largest maker of heavy equipment, is ready to move swiftly into the Cuban market once the U.S. trade embargo is lifted, Chief Executive Doug Oberhelman said on Wednesday after meeting with Cuban ministers in Havana.

In Europe, the pan European Stoxx 600 Index was down by 0.8 percent on Thursday morning. In Asia, Japan's Nikkei closed 0.41 percent higher on Thursday, while in China the Shanghai Composite closed 0.01 percent lower.  The banking sector was once again in focus for investors. France's Credit Agricole reported a 71 percent slump in net income for the first-quarter, sending the stock over 3.3 percent lower. Meanwhile, UBS shares tanked over 6 percent while Credit Suisse was also sharply lower. The moves come after the Swiss government agreed on final versions of new banking rules, aimed to protect the country's economy from a major lender collapsing. Under the rules, UBS and Credit Suisse would be required to have 5 percent leverage ratio of core capital to total assets.

Series of speeches by members of the Fed are likely to respond poorly amid fall to 4% expected to raise US interest rates at the meeting in June.