Investors Brace for Data-Heavy Week: Key Economic Indicators in Focus

U.S. stock futures saw marginal gains on Monday as investors prepared for a data-packed week. Focus shifted to consumer price indices and retail sales that could guide Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions. Key earnings reports from Walmart and Home Depot will further shed light on consumer spending.

U.S. stock index futures inched higher on Monday as investors geared up for a week laden with critical data releases. Among the focal points are U.S. consumer prices, which could offer substantial insights into the Federal Reserve's September interest rate moves.

Last week ended on a volatile note, triggered by a weaker-than-expected July jobs report. This led to recession fears and the unwinding of yen currency carry trade positions. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq recovered most losses over the final two sessions, concluding with slight declines for the week.

Anticipating the U.S. consumer price index (CPI) reading on Wednesday, investors are in a holding pattern. The CPI is expected to show a minor 0.2% monthly rise and remain steady at 3% year-over-year. Market speculations on rate cuts vary between 25 and 50 basis points for September, with a total easing of 100 basis points by the end of 2024, as indicated by CME's FedWatch Tool.

(With inputs from agencies.)