Stock futures for today edge higher

Stock futures for today edge higher, boosted by gains in consumer discretionary futures linked to strong retail sales data. Traders see potential for profit-taking later as volumes remain light ahead of major data releases. No, the best-performing stock over that period was none other than Monster Beverage (NASDAQ: MNST) . That's right, an energy drink largely known for sponsorship at UFC, monster truck, and bull-riding competitions, appreciated 2,000 times over that period, trouncing the return of even the " Magnificent Seven ." Business activity within the sector also fell to 49.9%, down from 55% in August. "This is the first time the index has entered contraction territory since May 2020," the release said, noting 50% marks the breakeven point between expansion and contraction. Stock futures for today show a rebound in small-cap futures, with Russell 2000 futures up 0.3%, signaling improved risk appetite among traders seeking value opportunities amid stable macro data from last week.