The US equity markets were in a cautious mood before the US inflation numbers on Good Friday. On Monday, the Nasdaq Composite Index and S&P 500 declined by 0.27% and 0.31%, respectively. The Dow fell by 0.41%.

While the US market session will set the tone, the Asian economic calendar also needs consideration.

Consumer confidence numbers from Australia could influence retail-linked and interest rate-sensitive ASX 200-listed stocks.

An improving consumer confidence environment could fuel household spending and demand-driven inflation. In March, the RBA continued to consider uncertainty about the outlook for household spending. A boost in consumer confidence could bring an RBA rate hike back to the table.

Economists forecast the Westpac Consumer Confidence Index to decline by 1.6% to 84.6.

Beyond the numbers, investors must also consider earnings, intervention and BoJ chatter from Japan, and stimulus commentary from Beijing. Big names on the earnings calendar include PetroChina (0857), China Telecom (0728), Kerry Logistics Network (0636), and Cosco Shipping HK (0517).

On Tuesday, the ASX 200 futures down up 29 points, while the Nikkei futures were up by 40 points.

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