Sept 17 (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures extended

gains slightly on Tuesday after a higher-than-expected rise in

monthly retail sales indicated a healthy consumer, allaying

fears about a sharp slowdown in the U.S. economy.

Retail sales for August rose 0.1% compared to an estimate of

a 0.2% decrease, according to economists polled by Reuters. They

had increased 1% in the previous month.

At 08:31 a.m. ET, Dow E-minis were up 127 points,

or 0.3%, Nasdaq 100 E-minis were up 119.75 points, or

0.62%, and S&P 500 E-minis were up 23.75 points, or

0.42%.