Futures mixed as Washington tries to avert crisis
US stock futures mixed on strong earnings against background of another potential debt crisis
A specialist checks a screen as his post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013. World stock markets fell Wednesday Jan. 23, 2013 ahead of a U.S. vote on raising the nation's borrowing limit. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
NEW YORK (AP) -- Stock futures are mixed as several strong earnings reports from U.S. corporations play out against the backdrop of another potential debt crisis in Washington.
Dow Jones industrial futures are down 4 points to 13,692. The broader S&P futures have lost 1.7 points to 1,487.70. Nasdaq futures are up 2.5 points to 2,753.50.
McDonald's Corp. on Wednesday topped expectations for the quarter and the full year, following a strong showing in the tech sector late Tuesday from Google, IBM and Cree Inc.
At the same time, Republicans in the House are trying to come to a consensus on legislation that would avert a fiscal crisis, at least temporarily, by easing the government's borrowing restrictions for three months. A vote is expected Wednesday.
Apple Inc. reports earnings after the closing bell.
