The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is pointed higher heading into today's abbreviated session, with the blue-chip barometer looking to extend its recent advance. "Positive seasonality kicked in on Wednesday, and markets were able to close near the highs of the day," said Schaeffer's Senior Options Strategist Tony Venosa, CMT. "Energy and consumer discretionary names led the way higher. Today is a shortened trading day, as markets are set to close at 1:00 p.m. ET. Plus, there are no economic reports scheduled, so we can expect a low-volume session." However, all eyes will be on the retail sector, as American shoppers hit the streets in search of the biggest Black Friday bargains.

• 4 retail stocks set up for a solid holiday season.
• 3 notable names making waves in the options pits.
• Traders think Groupon's (NASDAQ:GRPN) rally may be short lived.

Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average are more than 25 points above fair value.

Market Statistics

Equity option activity on the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) saw 699,929 call contracts traded on Wednesday -- the fewest in a full session since Dec. 30 -- compared to 426,322 put contracts. The resultant single-session put/call ratio dropped to 0.61, while the 21-day moving average stayed at 0.72.

Currencies and Commodities

• The U.S. dollar index is down 0.1% ahead of the bell, with the currency last seen near $80.61.
• Crude oil has pulled back, with January-dated crude shedding 0.3% in pre-market trading to hover near $87.11 per barrel.
• Gold futures, meanwhile, are looking to extend Wednesday's gains, with the front-month contract up 0.3% at $1,732.90 an ounce.

Earnings and Economic Data

There are no major economic reports scheduled for today, nor are there any notable earnings results due for release. U.S. equity and options markets will close at 1:00 p.m. ET.