U.S. stock index futures extended gains on Thursday after data showed a drop in jobless claims and productivity advanced at its fastest pace in six years.

Upbeat news from tech bellwether Cisco Systems Inc and wholesaler Costco Wholesale Corp lifted futures earlier.

S&P 500 futures rose 4 points and were above fair value, a formula that evaluates pricing by taking into account interest rates, dividends and time to expiration on the contract. Dow Jones industrial average futures gained 41 points, and Nasdaq 100 futures added 8.5 points.

(Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)

Investment