NewsWare's Trade Talk: Thursday, August 1

S&P Futures are higher in the pre-market as markets react to the positive earnings results from META. After the bell today we hear from AAPL, AMZN & INTC. Sentiment is positive as Fed officials appear set to being loosening monetary policy in September. A rate decision from the BOE it due today, Japan's rate increase is strengthening the yen, causing Japanese equities to slide. Jobless Claims & Manufacturing PMI data on tap for release today. In Europe, markets are weaker due to downbeat earnings in the auto sector. Oil continues to gain on the threat of escalating tensions in the Middle East.