Analysts' Actions: FB WLK YHOO

U.S. stock futures rise as Wall Street looks ahead to the release Wednesday of the minutes from the Federal Reserve's meeting in July and a speech Friday from Chairman Jerome Powell; Donald Trump says he's looking at cutting payroll taxes for Americans; Target and Lowe's report earnings.

Unlike politics, investors can change their minds.

The VIX appears unlikely to fall back near 12, but a big explosion higher isn't backed up by the indicators yet, either.

Alibaba's widely anticipated listing could still come later this year, perhaps as early as October, a report says.

While earnings season may be winding down, there are still a few key companies reporting the week of August 19th.