From Reuters.com
The day ahead: Thursday
Investors will eye FedEx and Palm quarterly results for signs of strength as well as data from the housing sector.
* FedEx reports fiscal first-quarter earnings before the bell. The package delivery giant is expected to benefit from stabilizing freight volumes as well as lower fuel prices.
* Palm reports fiscal first quarter results, in which it will probably give details on sales of the Pre smartphone.
* Housing starts and building permits are expected to have risen modestly in August.
