U.S. stock futures stumble ahead of key earnings and inflation data

Futures for the :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} and :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} slipped today as investors brace for heavy corporate earnings this week—including :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}, :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} and :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}—alongside the September Consumer Price Index release. Trade frictions with China and credit concerns in U.S. regional banks added to the caution. Market strategists suggest reduced exposure in speculative tech names and elevated hedging in defensives ahead of data. Volume remains muted over the weekend, but positioning risks intensify before Monday open.