U.S. stock index futures pointed to a higher open on Tuesday, with investors set to delve through fresh economic data, while keeping a close eye on the Dow Jones industrial averages' climb towards the 20,000 mark.
On the data front, the S&P/Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index, which measures all nine U.S. census divisions, was up 5.6 percent in October from the previous year, extending a new high from the previous month.
Consumer confidence is expected at 10.00 a.m. ET.
In addition, the Richmond Fed survey is to be released around 10.00 a.m. ET, followed by the Dallas Fed survey, at 10.30 a.m. ET.
In oil markets, WTI and Brent crude futures posted small gains early on Tuesday, in light of the pre-New Year holiday trading, hovering around $53.30 per barrel and $55.30 respectively.
After a long holiday weekend, European stocks eked out slight gains on Tuesday morning. Meanwhile Asia-Pacific indexes closed mostly mixed overnight, despite positive China data.
Prior to the Christmas break, U.S. indexes ended their previous session flat, after the Dow failed to reach the 20,000 mark. U.S. markets were closed on Monday in observance of the Christmas holiday.
No earnings are expected to be released on Tuesday; however four bond auctions are set to take place by the U.S. Treasury.