Summary: Earnings reports and the weekly jobless claims moved U.S. markets higher at Thursday's opening bell. Stock futures added gains on the latest initial claims report showing the fewest number of Americans filed for jobless benefits in almost 15 years. The Labor Department did say the data could be more difficult to gauge due to the shortened week with the MLK holiday. Alibaba (BABA) shares opened sharply lower after reporting earnings that beat estimates but sales came in weaker. Shakeup at the top is moving McDonald's (MCD) stock higher. After months of declining results, the world's largest fast-food chain is replacing Don Thompson with its chief brand officer, Steve Easterbrook. The changes are effective on March 1st.
