Stocks poised for a flat start ahead of data; financial regulation plan in focus

U.S. stocks were poised for a flat start Thursday morning even as Standard & Poor's joined Moody's in keeping U.S.'s AAA credit rating. Upcoming economic data could help give the market direction as the recent growing uncertainty about the economic recovery depressed stocks the past few days. However, the main focus for now seems to be the implications of Obama's plan for an overhaul of the financial regulatory system.

More here: Before the bell: Stocks set for a steady start