US equity futures were mixed ahead of Friday's opening bell as traders eyed business activity and existing home sales data.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures fell 0.5%, S&P 500 futures increased 0.1%, and Nasdaq futures were up 0.4%.

Oil prices were lower, with front-month global benchmark North Sea Brent crude down 0.5% at $76.08 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude down 0.6% at $72.05 per barrel.

The flash Composite Purchasing Managers' Index is scheduled for release at 9:45 am ET.

Existing home sales, due at 10 am ET, are seen dropping to a 4.13 million annual rate for January from 4.24 million in the preceding month, according to estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

In other world markets, Japan's Nikkei closed 0.3% higher, Hong Kong's Hang Seng ended 4% higher, and China's Shanghai Composite finished 0.9% higher. Meanwhile, the UK's FTSE 100 was up 0.1%, and Germany's DAX index was 0.3% higher in Europe's early afternoon session.

In equities, NaaS Technology (NAAS) stock was 57% higher pre-bell after the company said it launched a $10 million share buyback program. Celsius Holdings (CELH) shares were up 32% following a deal to acquire energy drink maker Alani Nutrition for $1.80 billion.

On the losing side, Rivian Automotive (RIVN) shares were down 6.5% after the recall of certain R1S and R1T vehicles over a headlight issue.