What to Watch Thursday: American Express Earnings, Yellen Remarks

On Thursday, investors await quarterly results from American Express (AXP) - Get Report and a speech from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen. After the markets close, American Express is expected to post earnings of 98 cents a share on sales of $7.91 billion. During the same quarter a year ago, the bank reported earnings of $1.23 a share on sales of $8.39 billion. IBM (IBM) - Get Report also releases earnings after the markets close. As for economic developments, housing starts for December are released at 8:30 a.m. EST, along with weekly jobless claims. At 11 a.m., the weekly EIA Petroleum Status report is unveiled. Then at 8 p.m., Fed Chair Janet Yellen delivers a speech in California.