August 13, 2015- Stocks Rise As S&P Looks for Lower Support

Trading in the U.S. index futures suggests that Wall Street stocks may open Thursday's session slightly higher. Notwithstanding the yuan's reference rate set higher yet again, reports of assurance from China's central bank that the yuan wouldn't let to fall freely has curbed fears of a potential currency war. Most commodities are weaker after yesterday's gains, as the dollar remains firm. The focus now shifts to the pre-market session, when two key domestic data are due. The retail sales and jobless claims reports may impact market mood, given their relevance to the economic strength and in turn the monetary policy. The Dow futures are rising 35 points, the S&P 500 futures are advancing 3.75 points and the Nasdaq 100 futures are up 11.25 points. U.S. stocks ended Wednesday's session narrowly mixed, as a rebound in the value of yuan on demand for the currency by local banks following two successive days of losses lifted sentiment late in the session.