Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures traded near unchanged on Thursday, with investors pausing after a two-session stock rally to await U.S. retail sales and another round of quarterly results.
Retail sales are the key near-term test because consumer spending drives much of the U.S. economy, while fresh earnings should show whether profits are holding up against higher borrowing costs and global uncertainty.
Recent bank earnings helped power the market's latest gains, alongside signs inflation is moderating, shifting attention to technology, financial and consumer companies for second-half demand and investment signals.
Thursday's data and company guidance could reshape expectations for Federal Reserve policy, with strong sales supporting confidence in growth and weak figures reviving concerns about an economic slowdown.