Modest Gains in U.S. Stock Futures

By Stephen Bernard

NEW YORK -- Stock futures were modestly higher as investors await key earnings reports and new data on retail sales and inflation.

Overseas markets rose Tuesday, following U.S. gains a day earlier, amid optimism about improvements in the banking sector and hopes for an economic recovery.

U.S. markets rallied Monday after a respected banking analyst upgraded her view on Goldman Sachs(GS Quote). Investors will have a chance Tuesday to see if her optimism is accurate as Goldman reports second-quarter earnings. ...