09:08 AM EDT, 08/15/2025 (MT Newswires) -- US equity futures were mixed ahead of Friday's opening bell as traders digested a batch of economic data, including a key retail sales report.

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were up 0.6%, S&P 500 futures were 0.1% higher, while Nasdaq futures were down 0.1%.

Investors are also monitoring the coming Ukraine peace talks in Alaska between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Oil prices were lower, with front-month global benchmark North Sea Brent crude down 0.8% at $66.34 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude 1.2% lower at $63.40 per barrel.

The Empire State Manufacturing Index, released at 8:30 am ET, came in at 11.9 for August compared with July's 5.5 and estimates compiled by Bloomberg for 0.0. The retail sales report showed a 0.5% increase for July versus estimates for a 0.6% gain. Import prices gained 0.4% in July versus estimates for a 0.1% uptick, while export prices gained 0.1%, in line with estimates.

The industrial production bulletin, slated for 9:15 am ET, is expected to show no change for July.

The business inventories report, due at 10 am ET, is expected to show a 0.2% monthly increase for June. Forecasters see the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index coming in at 61.9 for the preliminary reading for August.

In other world markets, Japan's Nikkei closed 1.7% higher, Hong Kong's Hang Seng ended 1% lower, and China's Shanghai Composite finished 0.8% higher. Meanwhile, the UK's FTSE 100 was up 0.1%, and Germany's DAX index was also up 0.1%; France's CAC 40 was up 0.5% and Spain's IBEX 35 was up 0.4%.

In equities, Vision Marine Technologies ( VMAR ) shares were 20% higher after the company said late Thursday it secured a court approval for a pending settlement of a legal claim pertaining to certain shareholders. Pioneer Power Solutions ( PPSI ) stock was up 55%, a day after the company reported improved Q2 financial results.

On the losing side, Bolt Projects ( BSLK ) stock was down 13% after the company launched a $4.3 million private placement of common shares and warrants.