US equity futures were mixed ahead of Thursday's opening bell, with futures of the technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite index rising after upbeat earnings from electric vehicle maker Tesla (TSLA).

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures slipped 0.1%, S&P 500 futures rose 0.4%, and Nasdaq futures were up 0.9%.

Tesla reported late Wednesday higher Q3 adjusted earnings and revenue and projected a "slight growth" in vehicle deliveries for 2024.

Oil prices were higher, with front-month global benchmark North Sea Brent crude up 0.6% at $75.44 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude up 0.9% at $71.41 per barrel.

New unemployment claims, released at 8:30 am ET, fell to 227,000 in the week ended Oct. 19 from 242,000 in the preceding week, compared with estimates compiled by Bloomberg for 227,000.

The S&P Global US manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index, due at 9:45 am ET, is seen coming in at 47.5 in October versus 47.3 in the prior month, while the services component is seen coming in at 55.0 versus 55.2 previously.

New home sales, slated for 10 am ET, are expected to increase to 719,000 in September from 716,000 in August.

In other world markets, Japan's Nikkei closed 0.1% higher, Hong Kong's Hang Seng ended 1.3% lower, and China's Shanghai Composite finished 0.7% lower. Meanwhile, UK's FTSE 100 rose 0.5% and Germany's DAX index was up 0.8% in Europe's early afternoon session.

In equities, Tesla shares were up more than 14%. West Pharmaceuticals (WST) shares increased 9% after the company posted Q3 adjusted earnings and revenue that topped analysts' estimates and issued guidance that also beat projections.

On the losing side, Osisko Development (ODV) shares fell 25% after the company launched a $50 million private placement of securities. Icon (ICLR) shares retreated 15% after reporting a lower Q3 revenue and issuing a weaker 2024 outlook.