U.S. stocks could open Thursday's session modestly higher as the passage of the budget bill unscathed through the House increases confidence in its enactment. That said, Friday's non-farm payrolls report, which is widely expected to have a bearing on the June rate hike, could keep traders on the tenterhooks. A negative reaction to a slew of tech earnings released after the close could sap the sector's recent momentum.

Cues From Wednesday's Trading:

The major averages declined moderately on Wednesday as data that underlined the ongoing strength in the labor market sent traders into the...