Wall Street futures edged higher Tuesday as investors braced for a delayed U.S. jobs report, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures gaining 0.2% and 0.3% respectively. Markets absorbed mixed signals: consumer spending stagnated while tech stocks lagged, hinting at economic fragility. The Dow Jones briefly crossed 50,000, marking its third straight record close, as energy and industrial sectors offset tech weakness.

Retail sales data showed flat monthly growth, fueling speculation the Federal Reserve might cut rates later this year if growth slows. The delayed jobs report, now slated for Wednesday, and upcoming CPI data Friday remain critical watchpoints. Analysts stressed these metrics will shape near-term monetary policy and market direction amid fragile consumer demand.

Corporate headlines weighed on sentiment. Robinhood Markets slid 7.5% after disappointing earnings, while Lyft plunged 17% on weak guidance. Ford reported a quarterly loss but raised 2026 profit forecasts, trading up 0.5% post-bell. Tech stocks faced broad pressure, with Lyft and Robinhood leading declines in extended trading.

Volatility persists as delayed economic data creates uncertainty. The jobs report and CPI figures could trigger sharp moves as markets gauge inflation and labor market health. Investors remain split between optimism about rate cuts and caution over cooling demand, with sector rotations likely ahead of key releases.