Stocks set to start the second half higher ahead of manufacturing, employment data

U.S. stocks were set to start the second half of the year higher. While in the second quarter stocks staged a significant springtime rally as many believed the recovery could start in the second half of the year, now many expect the recovery to be long and slow. Today's barrage of data could give further indication of what's to come as key economic reports on manufacturing, employment and housing among others are due out.

More here: Before the bell: Futures higher ahead of employment, manufacturing, housing data