U.S. stocks are poised Friday to continue Thursday's rally. While on Thursday investors mulled through jobs, housing and budget data, this morning the focus is on retail sales data. The Commerce Department is to release the November figures an hour before the opening bell. The general expectations are for a good report, but if the data disappoint, it could affect the general mood of the market.

Meanwhile, overseas markets were higher after data out of China showed industrial production and imports are still strong and exports are recovering, indicating stronger demand in and out of the mainland.

More here: Before the bell: Futures higher ahead of retail sales data