Inflation data, AI slump and retail pivot set the mood for Friday trades

Futures are modestly mixed ahead of December’s PCE inflation print and other data, with AI-stock weakness and private-credit liquidity concerns weighing on sentiment; Walmart’s soft guidance contrasts with Amazon’s quarterly revenue lead, while Bath & Body Works expands on Amazon. In California, a housing squeeze pushes more residents to RV living in Silicon Valley, and ADP data show wage gains for job hoppers cooling, though industry differences persist. A potential Supreme Court ruling on tariffs adds another layer of uncertainty for consumers and companies.