Concern about one aspect of Microsoft's results could have an impact on Friday's trading.
January 23, 2004: 5:50 AM EST
NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Concern about an aspect of Microsoft's quarterly results could keep pressure on technology stocks when U.S. stock markets end the week Friday.
At 5:45 a.m. ET, futures pointed to a mixed start for the major indexes, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq pointed lower.
Microsoft posted better-than-expected operating earnings and overall sales. But the world's No. 1 software maker also reported a bigger drop than analysts predicted in sales from software license renewals expected to book in coming quarters, and that could be a warning signal about the company's growth going forward.
Among U.S. stocks trading in Europe, Microsoft (MSFT: Research, Estimates) was more than 1 percent lower.
The Dow Jones industrial average was barely lower in Thursday trading; it clings to a more than 22-point gain for the week to date. But the Nasdaq composite index, down 1.1 percent Thursday, is more than 21 points down for the week entering the final session.
Asian-Pacific stocks ended mostly higher, with Japan's Nikkei index up 0.6 percent. European markets were mixed in early trading. (Check the latest on world markets)
Treasury prices were little changed, with the 10-year note yield at 3.95 percent. The dollar retreated against the yen and euro.
Brent oil futures slipped 14 cents to $30.97 a barrel in London. Gold was higher.
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