Stock futures Monday are modestly up, supported by strong retail earnings reports ahead. Consumer discretionary futures are outperforming, suggesting confidence in holiday season spending momentum. Without government data, investors were left with alternative data as a reference point. Wednesday's September private payrolls report from ADP showed employers shed 32,000 jobs throughout the month , while a report from staffing firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas showed hiring plans hitting the lowest levels in 16 years. And the Interior Department announced Monday it would make 13.1 milion acres of federal land available for the industry to lease. Stock futures Monday reflect steady sentiment; Dow futures tick up 0.15%. Markets weigh geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which could trigger volatility in defense and commodity-linked equities.