Stock Market Update

[BRIEFING.COM] The major averages trade in a stable range firmly beneath their unchanged levels with just half an hour left in today's action. 

Investors will receive just a slim batch of earnings reports before the opening bell tomorrow, including that of AutoZone (AZO 3774.29, -48.37, -1.27%). 

The company heads into Q1 with solid comp trends but a noticeable overhang from recent EPS misses, having come up short in each of the last five quarters, and worries about a softer consumer. Higher costs and tariffs have driven sizable LIFO charges that are more of an accounting headwind than a structural problem, but they still add noise to results and raise questions about margin predictability and inventory cost management.

Support likely comes from solid U.S. comps and continued momentum internationally. Upbeat commentary on customer behavior would also be helpful.  What could hurt are softer comps, weaker commercial trends, or a more cautious tone on the consumer, which would raise concerns that some repairs are being delayed and that near-term earnings may stay uneven.