Retail spending in the U.S. in November rose at a slower pace than in October, according to the Commerce Department.
Later Tuesday, the Federal Reserve is expected to announce that it will maintain its key interest rate at a historic low.
In corporate news, Best Buy’s shares felt pressure after the electronics retailer said its net profit skidded 13% in the third quarter.
Indications: U.S. stock futures gain; Fed, data in spotlight
U.S. stock futures edge higher after encouraging economic-sentiment data from Germany and ahead of the Fed’s announcement on monetary policy.
Indications
Economic Report: Hiring plans strongest since ‘08: Manpower
Hiring plans are ticking higher for the first quarter of 2012, reaching the strongest pace since 2008, though uncertainly is also up and employers are proceeding at a moderate and cautious pace, according to the latest Manpower employment survey.
Economic Report
Europe Markets: Stocks firmer after German ZEW survey
European stocks move higher after a German economic-sentiment indicator shows improvement, with gains for resource stocks helping to compensate for some weakness in banks.
Europe Markets
London Markets: U.K. stocks edge up; banks post losses
British stocks trade marginally higher, but banks continue to decline as investor optimism in European Union debt-crisis recovery plans waned.
London Markets
Asia Markets: Asia markets fall as Europe optimism fades
Asia markets declined, with exporters and resource stocks weak after ratings agencies issued a poor assessment of European leaders’ latest plans to stem the debt crisis.
Asia Markets
Currencies: U.S. dollar slips ahead of Fed decision
The dollar slips ahead of a policy decision from the Fed’s rate-setting committee.
Currencies
Futures Movers: Oil futures up a bit, but confined to tight range
Crude-oil futures inched up during Asian hours, restricted to a narrow range but finding support after falling to their lowest level in more than two weeks.
Futures Movers
