Futures largely subdued with Black Friday sales in focus

FILE PHOTO: The Wall St entrance to the NYSE is seen in New York (Reuters) – U.S. stock index futures were largely subdued on Friday, with investors closely monitoring the major retailers as Black Friday sales began against the backdrop of stubbornly high inflation and worries about a potential recession next year. U.S. retail stocks, a barometer of consumer confidence as inflation bites, remain under pressure after a lull in October and November sales figures. Retailers have been compelled to offer steep discounts to lure shoppers, threatening their profit margins in turn. In fact, retailers across Europe fear the overall…