[R]09:00AM U.S. stock futures advanced, lifted by strong durable goods orders in July.[/R]

U.S. stock futures were indicating a positive opening Friday, as stronger-than-expected durable goods orders helped offset concerns about slowing housing market. The Commerce Department said that July orders for durable goods surged 5.9% on higher demand for airplanes, vehicles, computers, machinery, steel. Investors were also expecting a report on new home sales for July which is likely to show they continued falling at an annual rate of 820,000 homes.

Among companies in focus, Marvell Technology Group (MRVL: chart) slipped 7.5% before the opening bell after the chipmaker posted a quarterly net loss, due to higher spending on research and development. Brocade Communications (BRCD: chart) fell 1.7% amid disappointing results.

In the retail sector, Gap (GPS: chart) rose 3% after reporting a 19% profit increase on reduced costs and improved its annual earnings outlook. The retailer also announced an additional $1.5 billion stock buyback.Ann Taylor (ANN: chart) added 3.5% in pre-open trade as a new marketing chief and a $300 million stock repurchase program offset a 27% drop in Q2 profit.

In deal-related news, Home Depot (HD: chart) is reportedly likely to receive $1.2 billion less than its originally agreed $10.3 billion for its wholesale distribution arm. S&P 500 futures fell 1.30 points, roughly in line with fair value. Dow Jones industrial average futures slipped 4 points, and Nasdaq 100 futures fell 4 points.