Stocks Muted Before the Open as Rally Pauses, U.S. Jobless Claims Data on Tap

Economic Indicators - U.S. private nonfarm payrolls unexpectedly fell by 32,000 in November, contrary to expectations of an increase of 5,000 [1] - U.S. September industrial production rose by 0.1% month-over-month, aligning with expectations, while manufacturing production remained unchanged, falling short of the anticipated 0.1% increase [1] - The U.S. import price index was unchanged month-over-month in September, weaker than the expected increase of 0.1% [1] - The U.S. ISM services index unexpectedly rose to 52.6 in November, surpassing expectations of 52.0 [1] Stock Market Performance - Wall Street's three main equity benchmarks ended positively, with Microchip Technology surging over 12% after raising its FQ3 guidance [2] - Marvell Technology climbed more than 7% due to stronger-than-expected growth projections in its data-center segment [2] - American Eagle Outfitters jumped over 15% after reporting upbeat Q3 results and raising its Q4 operating income guidance [2] - Pure Storage plummeted more than 27% after reporting weaker-than-expected Q3 GAAP EPS [2] Bond Market and Interest Rates - Higher bond yields are impacting stock index futures, with the 10-year T-note yield rising to 4.08% [3] - U.S. rate futures indicate an 89.2% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut at the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting [5] Corporate Earnings and Reports - Investors are focusing on U.S. Initial Jobless Claims data, expected to be 219,000, compared to last week's 216,000 [6] - Notable companies scheduled to report quarterly results include Kroger, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Ulta Beauty, and Dollar General [6] International Market Developments - The Euro Stoxx 50 Index rose by 0.39% amid improved risk appetite, particularly in the automobile sector following U.S. President Trump's proposal to cut fuel economy standards [8] - Eurozone's October retail sales were unchanged month-over-month and rose by 1.5% year-over-year, slightly above expectations [9] - China's Shanghai Composite Index closed lower, with expectations of fiscal expansion to address economic slowdown [10] - Japan's Nikkei 225 Index closed sharply higher, driven by industrial-robot stocks amid expectations of growth from AI technology [11]