Stock futures find themselves in a relatively flat position on Tuesday night as investors prepare themselves for the impending arrival of crucial inflation data. This anticipation has led to a state of "waiting mode" in the market, with traders closely observing the upcoming November consumer price index reading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures have seen a modest rise of 18 points, hovering near the flatline. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq 100 futures have each ticked higher by 0.1%, adding a touch of upward momentum to the market.

Anticipating the Inflation Data

Traders are eagerly awaiting the November consumer price index (CPI) reading due in the morning. Economists polled by Dow Jones expect this inflation gauge, which tracks a basket of goods and services, to show a 0.3% increase from October and a 2.7% rise compared to a year ago. Excluding volatile food and energy prices, the core CPI is projected to increase by 0.3% on a monthly basis and 3.3% from 12 months earlier. This data is set to provide valuable insights into the current state of inflation and its potential impact on the economy.Furthermore, the producer price index report is expected later in the week. These two major economic data releases are among the last significant ones anticipated before the Federal Reserve's policy meeting next week. According to CME's FedWatch Tool, fed funds futures are pricing in a more than 85% likelihood that the central bank will lower interest rates at that gathering. This expectation has added an element of uncertainty to the market, as traders try to gauge the future direction of monetary policy.Tuesday night's market action follows a losing day on Wall Street. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite experienced their second consecutive down day, while the Dow had its fourth negative session in a row. This suggests that the market is still grappling with the uncertainties surrounding inflation and its potential effects on corporate earnings.Investment strategist Ross Mayfield at Baird believes that Tuesday's moves indicate that the market is in a state of waiting ahead of the CPI print. He also noted that market participants may have some concerns about what the inflation data might reveal. "You're just kind of seeing unnecessary consolidation of this momentum trade," Mayfield said. "Even though we think we're still in a bull market, there obviously needs to be periods of consolidation to kind of catch your breath."In addition to the inflation data, investors will also be watching for monthly federal budget data expected on Wednesday. On the corporate earnings front, they will closely monitor Adobe's results, which are slated for release after the bell.

Stock Movements in Extended Trading

Here are some stocks that showed significant movements in extended trading:General Motors - The shares of this automotive giant popped nearly 3% after General Motors announced that it would no longer fund robotaxi development by self-driving car company Cruise. This decision has sparked interest among investors and led to a surge in the company's stock price.GE Vernova - The energy equipment company saw a 3% slide after providing full-year revenue guidance for both the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years that was weaker than expected by analysts polled by FactSet. This guidance has raised concerns among investors and led to a sell-off in the company's stock.For a more comprehensive list of stocks in motion, please refer here.

Market Outlook and Implications

The current situation in the stock market highlights the importance of closely monitoring economic data and central bank policies. The upcoming CPI data and the Fed's policy decision next week are likely to have a significant impact on market sentiment and investor behavior. If the inflation data comes in as expected or better than expected, it could provide a boost to the market and lead to a rally. On the other hand, if the data shows higher-than-expected inflation, it could trigger a sell-off and lead to a more cautious approach from investors.Investors need to remain vigilant and adapt their strategies accordingly. While the market is still in a bullish trend, periods of consolidation and uncertainty are inevitable. By staying informed and making well-informed decisions, investors can navigate these challenging times and potentially capitalize on opportunities as they arise.In conclusion, the stock market is currently in a state of flux, with investors waiting for key economic data and central bank actions. The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining the future direction of the market, and investors will need to stay focused and agile to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.