Stock Futures Flat as Traders Await Consumer Data

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U.S. stock-index futures were little changed on Tuesday as housing data matched estimates and traders took a breather following the rally in the last session.

Today's Markets

As of 9:07 a.m. ET, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures fell 1 point, or 0.01%, to 16185, S&P 500 futures dipped 0.75 point, or 0.04%, to 1845 and Nasdaq 100 futures rose 1.5 points, or 0.04%, to 3690.

After a day with little in the way of economic data, the economic calendar is fuller in Tuesday.

Home prices in 20 major U.S. cities fell 0.1% in December on a non-seasonally adjusted basis, matching estimates, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller home price report. Compared to the same period in 2012, prices rose 13.4%, slightly higher than the 13.3% Wall Street expected. The data survey a period before unseasonably cool weather began pressuring the economy so some market watchers said this particular report might not be as closely watched as usual.

A reading on consumer confidence for the month of February from the Conference Board will provide a more up-to-date reading. Consumer sentiment, which correlates somewhat to retail sales, is seen holding steady for the month.

On the corporate front, Home Depot (NYSE:HD) and Macy's (NYSE:M) posted better-than-expected quarterly profits, but disappointing sales. The No. 1 U.S. home improvement retailer also hiked its dividend by 21%. JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) said in an investor presentation firm-wide headcount will fall by around 5,000 workers in 2014.

Elsewhere, U.S. crude oil futures slumped by $1.25, or 1.2%, to $101.55 a barrel. Wholesale New York Harbor gasoline fell 0.29% to $2.825 a gallon. Gold tilted lower by $2.10, or 0.15%, to $1,3356 a troy ounce.