Futures data indicates Dow futures tonight are slightly higher amid optimism over upcoming retail sales figures. Consumer discretionary stocks might benefit if the data beats estimates, potentially lifting the index in the morning session. The major averages finished the day in positive territory but off their early highs. The Nasdaq climbed 107.09 points or 0.5 percent to 22,591.15, the S&P 500 rose 17.51 points or 0.3 percent to 6,661.21 and the Dow inched up 68.78 points or 0.2 percent to 46,316.07. Despite the White House’s attacks on the Fed, Trump’s demands for it to lower rates, and the recent firing of the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Wall Street remains upbeat on stocks. Economic analysts note Dow futures tonight are marginally green, supported by commodity rally spillover. Crude oil’s jump to $82 a barrel is boosting energy components within the index, improving overall futures sentiment.
