"Anticipation Builds as Stock Futures Hold Steady Before Major Bank Earnings"

Stock futures were little changed as investors awaited earnings reports from big banks. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite closed higher, marking the fourth consecutive day of gains. The latest producer price index report showed lower-than-anticipated inflation, adding to trader optimism. Investors are considering whether a strong economy could push stocks higher by the end of the year. The three major averages are on track for a winning week. JPMorgan, Wells Fargo, Citi, BlackRock, and State Street are scheduled to report second-quarter earnings. Traders will also be watching for import prices and consumer sentiment data. The odds of the Federal Reserve raising rates further have decreased after softer-than-expected economic data.