Little changed

Futures were little changed in low volume on Tuesday ahead of the unofficial start of an earnings season expected to show sluggish corporate growth. Profits in the fourth quarter were expected to top lackluster results in the previous quarter, but analysts' current estimates are down sharply from where they were in October.Providing some distraction to lingering fiscal-cliff issues, investors will turn attention to the start of earnings season, which kicks off with aluminum producer Alcoa Inc. after the close of markets Tuesday. Technology stocks will be in sharp focus on Tuesday as the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas got under way on Monday night.