March 15, 2010, 7:00 am EDT — 
The Standard & Poor’s 500 index futures down 4.20 to 1142.80, as traders find few reasons to buy after U.S. economic data released Friday painted an uneven picture of recovery in the world’s largest economy. Although retail sales were better than expected last month, a weaker report about consumer sentiment provided little hope the economy, driven largely by consumer spending, was on the verge of a quick turnaround. … As trading got under way in Europe, markets in Germany and Britain were off by about 0.2 percent, while France’s index shed 0.4 percent. U.S. markets were headed for a lower open as stock futures lost ground. Earlier in Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 stock average finished little changed at 10,751.98. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng was down 0.6 percent at 21,079.10 and South Korea’s benchmark shed 0.8 percent to 1,649.50. For for Japan’s central bank decision, due Wednesday, to keep interest rates at record low levels, while growing speculation it will step up its policies to keep credit and liquidity loose as the world’s second-largest economy rebounds. In Europe, Greece is presenting the first results of its austerity measures to reduce its mountains of debt and whip its budget into stronger shape. The results, to be delivered Monday and Tuesday at a European Union finance ministers meeting, could lead ministers to decide to extend Greece financial aid, according to media reports. … Oil prices were lower in Asia, with benchmark crude for April delivery slipping under $81 a barrel before recouping some losses to trade at $81.11. That was down 13 cents from Friday, when the contract slipped 87 cents. In currencies, the dollar was lower at 90.63 yen from 90.65 yen. The euro fell to $1.3738 from $1.3685.
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— With the S&P 500 index near resistance at 1150.41, how it reacts at this juncture will indicate direction. Not the time to guess — wait for reaction and act accordingly.