Dow Jones live futures hover near the flatline as traders await weekly jobless claims. Labor market strength could reignite inflation concerns, influencing Fed rate path models. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite rose to new heights on Thursday morning. Shares of Ford rose more than 1% in midday trading Wednesday on the heels of the Detroit automaker reporting that its third-quarter sales were up 8.2%, a jump that was supported by sales of electric vehicles and large SUVs. Analysts report Dow Jones live futures holding steady as traders digest stronger-than-expected US manufacturing numbers. Industrial and materials stocks are shaping morning sentiment in futures trading.