U.S. Stocks Await CPI for August

Introduction

U.S. stocks are showing a flat trend on Sunday evening as investors eagerly anticipate the release of the Bureau of Labor Statistics' consumer price index (CPI) for August. This crucial economic data will be published on Wednesday, offering insights into inflation trends in the country.

Market Analysis

At 6:15 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures witnessed a marginal decline of 12 points, reflecting a 0.02% decrease. On the other hand, the S&P 500 futures remained relatively stable, while the Nasdaq Composite futures indicated a slight gain of 0.03%.

Crude Oil Prices

In the energy sector, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures, the U.S. standard, experienced a 0.6% drop, reaching $86.96 per barrel. Similarly, Brent crude, the international benchmark, witnessed a decline of 0.5%, settling at $90.24 per barrel.

Upcoming Earnings Reports

This week, investors will also closely monitor notable earnings reports from various companies. On Monday, Casey's General Stores and Oracle are scheduled to announce their financial results. Thursday will witness earnings releases from Adobe, Copart, and Lennar, followed by Bristol Myers Squibb, Brown & Brown, Ecolab, and Laboratory Corp. on Friday.

Key Economic Events

Several significant economic events are expected this week. On Tuesday, the National Federation of Independent Business will publish its Small Business Optimism Index for August.

Wednesday holds immense importance as the Bureau of Labor Statistics will unveil the consumer price index for August, which will give valuable insights into inflationary pressures in the country.

Thursday will be eventful as the BLS publishes the producer price index for August. Additionally, the Census Bureau will release its retail sales data for the same period, and the Labor Department will report initial claims for unemployment benefits for the week ending September 9. The day will also witness the European Central Bank's announcement of a monetary-policy decision.

Finally, on Friday, the University of Michigan will release the Consumer Sentiment Index for September, while the Federal Reserve Bank of New York unveils the Empire State Manufacturing Survey for the same month.