U.S. Stock Futures Dip Ahead of Retail Earnings and Fed Minutes

U.S. stock futures edged lower in early trading as investors braced for earnings reports from major retailers and the release of the Federal Reserve's July meeting minutes. Nasdaq 100, Dow Jones, and S&P 500 futures all slipped modestly, reflecting lingering market caution.

Tuesday's session saw divergent performance: The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite retreated while the Dow eked out marginal gains. Home Depot's stock surged post-earnings despite missing estimates, with analysts focusing on maintained guidance rather than backward-looking results.

All eyes now turn to the FOMC minutes release and scheduled remarks from Fed Governor Christopher Waller, one of two dissenters in July's rate decision. The retail sector remains in focus as earnings season continues.