Source: Sharecast
As of 1230 GMT, Dow Jones futures were up 0.22%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 futures had the indices opening 0.21% and 0.09% firmer, respectively.
The Dow closed 45.41 points higher on Monday, taking a modest bite out of gains recorded in the previous session.
China was in focus prior to the open on Tuesday after the country reported its first Covid-related deaths on the mainland since May, sparking fears that it may reinstitute restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the virus and pushing investors away from growth stocks and into defensive sectors.
Investors were also patiently waiting for the publication of minutes from the Federal Reserve's November meeting on Wednesday, with traders preparing to see policymakers announce that they'll likely continue to raise rates as part of an effort to tame inflation.
"Markets get jittery whenever the Federal Reserve is due to speak or issue important information," says Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.
"Investors may have got carried away by the recent inflation surprise which triggered a rally in stocks around the world. Tomorrow could feel like a bucket of cold water has been poured on this rally."
On the macro front, the Richmond Federal Reserve's November manufacturing index will be published at 1500 GMT, while the Federal Reserve's Loretta Mester, Esther George, and James Bullard will deliver speeches at 1600 GMT, 1915 GMT, and 1945 GMT, respectively.
In the corporate space, American Eagle Outfitters, Best Buy, Jack in the Box, Warner Music Group, Dick's Sporting Goods, Dollar Tree, and HP will all report earnings on Tuesday.
Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com
