Strong consumer confidence data is nudging "US stocks futures" higher in early trade, particularly benefiting retail and travel sectors. Watch for volume spikes as institutional flows return post-holiday. Quantum computing is still an emerging sector, and the pure-play companies are operating at a loss. Even so, QCi's minuscule revenue is concerning. Because this company is such a high risk, it's best to be cautious about how much you invest in it. Robinhood's stock ( HOOD ) continues to accumulate gains — and the most recent catalyst is the fintech company's prediction markets. "US stocks futures" extended gains pre-market, buoyed by strong manufacturing PMI data showing expansion for the first time in six months. This has triggered calls for potential upside in industrial names and cyclical stocks.