The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is eyeing a higher start, following this morning's payrolls reports. The U.S. added a slightly better-than-expected 155,000 jobs in December, while the unemployment rate remained steady at 7.8%.

Meanwhile, "The Federal Reserve released the minutes from its December meeting yesterday, which revealed some members see the conclusion of asset purchasing well before the end of 2013," said Schaeffer's Senior Options Strategist Tony Venosa. "This prompted some profit-taking, with the S&P 500 Index (SPX) giving back 0.2% on the day."

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Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average are nearly six points above fair value.

Market Statistics

Equity option activity on the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 1,023,718 call contracts traded on Thursday, compared to 542,126 put contracts. The resultant single-session put/call ratio fell to 0.53, while the 21-day moving average remained at 0.63.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is gaining ground, with the currency pointed 0.6% higher ahead of the bell to trade at 80.83.
• Crude oil is poised for a second straight day in the red, with February-dated crude 1.2% lower at $91.80 per barrel.
• Gold futures are eyeing a steep 2.6% drop in pre-market trading, with the malleable metal last seen at $1,630.80 an ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

The week concludes with the Labor Department's latest non-farm payrolls report, factory orders, and the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) non-manufacturing index. Mosaic Co (MOS) and Finish Line (FINL) will wrap up the week's slate of quarterly earnings.