DJIA up 17.25 points (Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - New York, 21 Aug - US shares were trading flat to higher at midday ahead of a jobs data review and minutes from the Federal Reserve that could shed light on interest rates.

With the market virtually discounting a rate cut in September, the hope is minutes from the Fed's July policy meeting, released later today, will provide clues on whether more cuts could be on the cards.

Earlier this week Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari said a rate cut next month was a possibility as the labor market had started to show signs of weakening too much.

A report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics today reviewing its monthly estimates of job creation between April 2023 and March 2024 will be closely monitored in case of major revisions.

On the stocks front, shares in Target jumped 12% after the retailer reported better-than-expected earnings and raised profit guidance while Macy's fell more than 12% after trimming its sales outlook as it restructures.

At 1516 GMT, the Dow Jones was up 17.25 points, or 0.04%, at 40,825.22 points.

The S&P 500 was 16.39 points, or 0.29%, higher at 5,613.51 points.

The Nasdaq was gaining 66.76 points, or 0.37%, at 17,883.70 points.

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(RADIOCOR) 21-08-24 17:25:18 (0393) 5 NNNN