Stock index futures pointed to a higher open on Thursday as JPMorgan Chase & Co reassured some investors about the health of banks after it reported better-than-expected quarterly results and following several reassuring reports on the technology sector.

Nasdaq 100 futures rose sharply after top cell phone maker Nokia reassured investors by reaffirming its handset market forecast and a report said that Sun Microsystems Inc is willing to resume takeover talks with IBM if IBM were to make a stronger commitment to closing a deal.

There are some positives out there in tech land. Activision says they're tracking ahead of their quarter, Nokia had good earnings, shipments were real strong, said Dave Rovelli, equities trade at Canaccord Adams in New York.

The world's top cellphone maker Nokia said visibility was improving, sending its shares sharply higher in European trading.

Video game publisher Activision Blizzard Inc said first-quarter results were better than expected, fueled by its Call of Duty and Guitar Hero franchises, sending its shares up 5.7 percent in premarket trade.

JPMorgan Chase & Co reported better-than-expected first-quarter profit as improved investment banking performance offset increased losses from credit cards and other consumer debt. Shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co rose 3.2 percent in volatile trading before the bell.

S&P 500 futures rose 5.70 points and were above fair value, a formula that evaluates pricing by taking into account interest rates, dividends and time to expiration on the contract. Dow Jones industrial average futures were up 38 points, and Nasdaq 100 futures jumped 19.50 points.

(Reporting by Edward Krudy; Editing by Theodore d'Afflisio)

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