Clues on the health of the US economy Inflation is back in the driver’s seat for global investors.
The July producer-price index showed that factory-gate inflation slowed slightly from June. The data comes ahead of Wednesday’s consumer-price index, and retail sales on Thursday.
Stock indexes pushed higher after the PPI data were out, while benchmark bond yields fell.
Earnings from Home Depot offered investors more clues on the health of the U.S. consumer. The retailer cut its annual outlook, saying high interest rates were deterring home-improvement spending.
Markets have stabilized after last week’s volatility. Evidence that inflation continues to subside could give stocks a further boost, by reinforcing expectations that the Federal Reserve will begin cutting interest rates next month.
OF course the PPI inflation data does include the consumer essentials, like food, energy, and rent.