U.S. stock futures rose today, pointing to another record-setting trading session after the opening bell, as investors awaited data on unemployment benefits and comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.

Futures tied to the S&P 500 climbed 0.4%. The broad market index closed at its 18th record for this year on Wednesday. Nasdaq-100 futures advanced 0.8%, pointing to gains in technology stocks.

Stocks have started the second quarter on strong footing, with the S&P 500 rising 2.7% this month. The largest tech companies have surged ahead as the bond market calmed, easing concerns about the high valuations of growth stocks. Fed policy makers' comments, released on Wednesday, highlighted their intention to continue with easy monetary policies until the economy has recovered more.

Today, Mr. Powell will be speaking about the global economy at the International Monetary Fund's virtual spring meetings.

In bond markets, the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note was relatively unchanged from 1.653% on Wednesday. It had climbed as high as 1.749% at the end of last month. Yields rise when bond prices fall.

The cooling off in bond yields has led to a revival in the largest technology stocks' rally. Apple, Microsoft, Amazon.com and Google's parent Alphabet -- which are the largest companies by market value on the S&P 500 -- have each climbed over 4% this month after stumbling in March.