Today's calendar is the busiest of the week, with important numbers due in China and the United States.
China announces industrial production and retail sales in the overnight session, which could affect market sentiment early in the morning.
Most of the U.S. data is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. ET, with reports on initial jobless claims, retail sales, and export/import prices.
Economists estimate that 329,000 Americans sought initial unemployment benefits last week, compared with 323,000 in the previous period.
February retail sales are reported with and without automobiles. Both are expected to show a 0.2 percent increase. The overall number fell 0.4 percent in January and was flat excluding cars.
Export and import prices aren't tracked, and are unlikely to sway trading. The other noteworthy event comes at 10:30 a.m. ET, when the Energy Department announces weekly changes in natural-gas inventories.
Dollar General and Plug Power report earnings before the opening bell. Aeropostale and Ulta Salon Cosmetics follow in the afternoon.
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