U.S. stock index futures slightly pared gains on Thursday after data showed applications for unemployment insurance fell less than expected in the latest week.

S&P 500 futures rose 4.6 points and were above fair value, a formula that evaluates pricing by taking into account interest rates, dividends and time to expiration of the contract. Dow Jones industrial average futures gained 37 points and Nasdaq 100 futures added 24 points.

Futures traded higher boosted by strong earnings from bellwethers General Electric and Apple Inc , among other companies.

(Editing by Kenneth Barry)

Apple inc.