NEW YORK - Apple's stronger-than-expected profit report lifted stock market futures today as investors grew optimistic that technology companies could be enduring the recession better than some had expected.

Another batch of earnings announcements and reports on unemployment claims and sales of existing homes also are due.

Results are expected from PNC Financial and JetBlue Airways.

Government figures are expected to show new jobless claims increased last week while the total number of people receiving unemployment insurance set a record for the 12th straight week.

A real estate trade group's report is expected to show sales of existing homes declined slightly in March after jumping sharply a month earlier.

Investors were cheered by Apple's report after the market closed Wednesday of a 15 percent increase in its quarterly earnings, helped by strong sales of the iPhone. Investors also are relieved the company said co-founder Steve Jobs still plans to return from his medical leave as scheduled.