Stock futures open flat amid positive virus treatment data, debate looms - CNBC

stock futures traded flat on Tuesday night after the release of coronavirus treatment data from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals while traders awaited the first presidential debate. .

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were up just 13 points, or 0.1%.

After the closing bell, Regeneron said its REGN-COV2 drug reduced viral levels and improved symptoms in non-hospitalized coronavirus patients.

Futures were kept in check as traders braced for the first presidential debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden, which is set to start at 9 p.m.

"A lot will be on the line," Tom Block, Washington policy strategist at Fundstrat Global Advisors, said in a note to clients about the debate?

"On the plus side the President is a professional entertainer and loves the camera … But the President has such confidence in his ability to debate that he is unlikely to spend much time preparing.".

Biden "will have hours of mock debate sessions and will execute a carefully thought-out strategy; while the President will go by instinct for the kill," Block said.