Stock Futures Rise as Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cuts After Weak Data

Core Viewpoint - Investors are increasingly confident that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates next month due to weaker-than-expected retail sales data [1][3]. Group 1: Market Reactions - Stock futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 99 points, or 0.2%, while S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq 100 contracts both gained 0.3% [2]. - The three major indexes experienced a rally on Tuesday, with the Dow increasing by more than 660 points following economic data that supported the case for a rate cut at the Fed's upcoming policy meeting [3]. Group 2: Economic Indicators - Retail sales figures were reported weaker than expected, contributing to the market's anticipation of a rate cut [3]. - The producer price index increased in line with economists' forecasts, further influencing market sentiment [3].