* Futures for the Dow Jones industrial average DJc1, the Nasdaq 100 NDc1 and the S&P 500 SPc1 share indexes are up 0.4-0.5 percent, pointing to a higher start on Wall Street.

* The $700 billion U.S. financial sector bailout plan remained in focus. U.S. House of Representatives Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said the bill will be sent to the floor of the House on Friday for debate and then put to a vote.

* The market awaited U.S. jobs data for September, due to be released at 1230 GMT. Economists in a Reuters survey forecast 100,000 jobs were lost in the month compared with a loss of 84,000 jobs in August. The unemployment rate is seen at 6.1 percent, a repeat of the August figure.

* The Institute for Supply Management will release its September non-manufacturing index at 1400 GMT. Economists in a Reuters survey forecast a reading of 50.0 versus 50.6 in August.

* Shares of Penn National Gaming (PENN.O: Quote, Profile, Research) fell 10.1 percent to $21.00 in extended trade on Thursday after the company cut its own revenue forecast. [ID:nWNAB4943]

* Family Dollar Stores FDO.NM, which sells most of its merchandise for below $10, is expected to post higher quarterly profits as its core lower-income shoppers spent their tax rebate dollars in its stores. Analysts expect the company to earn 34 cents per share, excluding items, up from 26 cents a year earlier, according to Reuters Estimates. (Reporting by Atul Prakash; editing by Sue Thomas)