U.S. Stocks Struggle as Walmart Earnings Warn

U.S. stock markets are showing mixed signals as traders remain cautious ahead of critical earnings reports and inflation data. Major index futures indicate a flat opening, with the S&P 500 slightly up, while UnitedHealth's shares plummet in pre-market trading following news of a Justice Department investigation into its Medicare billing practices. The upcoming release of Nvidia's quarterly results and consumer price inflation readings from the Federal Reserve are contributing to the uncertainty among investors. Additionally, a report showed existing home sales are expected to fall in January, and consumer sentiment is projected to remain unchanged. This cautious sentiment follows a recent record high for the S&P 500, which has now faced pressure from various economic indicators. Overall, market participants appear to be navigating through a complex landscape of corporate earnings and macroeconomic factors.