Markets in holding pattern ahead of election, inflation data

An American flag adorns the facade of the New York Stock Exchange on June 29, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Wall Street was essentially flat before the opening bell Tuesday with Americans heading to the polls to vote in the midterm elections that are being heavily influenced by inflation, with more data on that front arriving this week.

Futures for the S&P 500 moved 0.16% higher, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.13%.

Control of the U.S. House and the Senate are up for grabs with huge numbers of voters expected to turn out, potentially leaving the U.S. government split between Democrats and Republicans.