RETAIL SALES

Sales at U.S. retailers climbed slightly in January as Americans took advantage of post-holiday promotions, and although Tuesday's data fell short of economists' median projection, it still provided yet another hopeful sign of a strengthening economy.

The euro rose to a session high and shares reversed early losses after key German data bolstered hopes that Europe's largest economy was recovering and a strong Italian bond sale added to signs that financing pressures were being contained.

Output at factories in the euro zone tumbled in December, reflecting a sick European economy that probably shrank at the end of 2011 but it is hoped will recover this year.

Futures on major U.S. stock indices pared earlier losses and point to a slightly higher opening Tuesday ahead of of economic data including retail sales.

While Valentine's Day has always been sure to disappoint lonely hearts, this year's festivities also may dishearten the retailers used to sweetheart sales during the period, various economic indicators suggest.

Sales at U.S. retailers probably climbed in January as Americans bought more new cars and shoppers took advantage of post-holiday promotions, a sign that the U.S. economy is recovering, economists said before a report this week.

U.S. stock markets may begin the week with gains as stocks in Asia and Europe advanced after Greek parliament approved austerity measures demanded by Eurozone leaders to secure a bailout package and avoid a messy debt default.

Despite a mediocre earnings season and signs of an overbought market, Wall Street bulls are likely to remain in control this week.

Despite a mediocre earnings season and signs of an overbought market, Wall Street bulls are likely to remain in control next week. There are a number of catalysts that have helped the market this year, including a slew of improved economic data and the Federal Reserve's vow to keep interest rates low.

Consumers are feeling relatively upbeat about where the economy will be six months from now, but right now, after maxing out their credit card and perhaps purchasing a big-ticket item over the holidays, they're planning on sticking to a budget. Those are the main findings from a preliminary survey of February consumer confidence conducted by the University of Michigan and Thomson Reuters, which was released Friday morning.

Activision Blizzard Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI), the large video game maker, beat analysts' expectations as it retained more World of Warcraft subscribers and had massive retail sales for its Call of Duty title.

China's stock market improvement could be jeopardized by a higher than expected inflation reading for January.

China's annual inflation spiked to a consensus-busting 4.5 percent in January as spending jumped during the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday season, breaking a five-month softening trend and forcing a market rethink of policy easing expectations.

China's annual inflation rate hit 4.5 percent in January, which is the highest level in three months, according to the official data released Thursday.

Navy is likely to replace black on the catwalk when New York Fashion Week starts on Thursday, with experts expecting rich fabrics, waist-defining jackets and some 1920s-inspired styles sparked by movies like The Artist.

U.S. borrowers tacked on $19.6 billion in revolving -- mostly credit card-related -- debt in December, according to preliminary data from the Federal Reserve. Non-revolving credit was also up. Borrowing grew across all categories -- be it charges on commercial credit cards, student promissory notes, auto loans of fixed-term mortgages.

The Chrysler Group LLC Super Bowl ad featuring Clint Eastwood is making the rounds this morning as one of the more memorable spots during the Giants' 21-17 win over the Patriots on Sunday night.

Chrysler is profiting from strong Jeep sales and automakers are expected today to announce healthy year-over-year January sales increases in the U.S., with only General Motors Corp. trailing the pack.

Mobile retail app Shopkick on Tuesday, announced it's software drove over $100 million worth of in-store purchases last year. According to company chiefs, consumers armed with Shopkick enabled smartphones spent $110 million at participating retailers over the last 12 months, the location based app's first full year of operation.

Stock index futures pointed to a higher open on Wall Street on Tuesday, with futures for the S&P 500, the Dow Jones and Nasdaq 100 indexes up 0.5-0.6 percent.

Japan's core consumer prices fell for the third consecutive month in the year to December, and mild deflation is expected to persist this year as energy prices stabilize and worries about Europe's debt crisis suppress wage growth and economic activity.