Stocks set to advance on Alcoa earnings, ahead of jobs, retail data

U.S. stocks were poised for a higher open Thursday morning after Alcoa reported late Wednesday a narrower-than-expected loss to kick off the second-quarter earnings season. In addition, China reported strong car sales in June, adding to positive sentiment. Unlike the last few days, today will also be full of economic readings, including labor, retail and inventories indications.

More here: Before the bell: Stock futures point to higher start on Alcoa, ahead of data