Stocks poised to retreat at the open as more data, earnings are on tap

U.S. stocks are poised for a weaker open Friday, a day after stocks surged following a better-than-expected GDP report. The economy grew by 3.5 percent in the third quarter, indicating some stability, although as Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said, the recovery is fragile and needs nurturing.

But as investors catch their breath for the some two percent gains in stocks the day before, they also cautiously await consumer spending and sentiment data due out this morning, as earlier data this week surprised to the down side.

More here: Before the bell: Futures lower as Street takes a breather, awaits more data