Stock futures saw a slight decline on Monday night as investors awaited crucial data and earnings reports from banks, which will provide further insight into the state of the American consumer. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 42 points, or 0.1%, while S&P 500 futures dipped more than 0.1% and Nasdaq 100 futures shed 0.2%.

Traders are keeping a close eye on the December retail sales data, set to be released on Wednesday, which could impact recessionary fears and concerns about economic growth if consumer spending shows signs of cooling down. Economists surveyed by FactSet predict a modest increase of 0.2% for the month, slightly below November's 0.3% growth.

Additionally, a new wave of bank earnings is expected this week, providing further clues about the health of the consumer and data on credit card payments and delinquencies. Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and PNC Financial Services are set to report on Tuesday, while Charles Schwab, M&T Bank, and several regional banks are also scheduled to release their earnings.

Last week, four big banks - JPMorgan, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo - reported mixed results but posted strong profits for the year, supported by a robust labor market, resilient consumer, and higher interest rates. Despite a hotter-than-expected December consumer inflation report, stocks recorded their 10th winning week in 11 weeks. Tech stocks, in particular, led the market higher as the Nasdaq outperformed with a gain of approximately 3.1% through Friday's close. The Dow gained around 0.3%, while the S&P 500 advanced 1.8%.

Looking ahead, New York Stock Exchange vice chairman John Tuttle expressed optimism about the future of initial public offerings (IPOs) in 2024. Tuttle highlighted a robust pipeline of IPOs across sectors and geographies, explaining that it's about finding the right timing when investors are willing and companies are prepared. He attributed the anticipated increase in IPO activity to greater stability in U.S. interest rates, record-high equity indexes, and relatively low market volatility.

In 2023, IPO activity reached its lowest level since 2016 due to interest rate hikes and broader economic uncertainty. However, with the current favorable conditions, Tuttle expects a rebound in IPO activity this year.

Overall, the market is closely monitoring the upcoming retail sales data and bank earnings to gain a clearer understanding of the American consumer's status. While stock futures experienced a slight decline, investors remain hopeful about the potential for continued market growth in the coming weeks.

Note: The additional details and quotes provided in the original context have been incorporated into the article to provide a comprehensive overview.