Inflation Cools, S&P Hits Record, Retail Sales Ahead
By Juliegrace Brufke | Quincy News Correspondent
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Washington (Quincy News) — Market Recap: U.S. stocks rose Thursday after wholesale inflation came in cooler than expected. The Producer Price Index was unchanged in July, further reducing expectations for a Federal Reserve rate hike in September. The S&P 500 gained 0.7% to close at a record high, the Nasdaq rose 0.8%, and the Dow edged up 0.1%.
Treasury yields fell following the inflation report, while Brent crude dropped about 2% Thursday. Technology stocks helped lead the market higher, with Sandisk gaining nearly 14% and Micron rising more than 4%.
Today’s Focus: Attention turns to the consumer Friday, with July retail sales due at 8:30 a.m. ET. The report will offer the latest look at how Americans are spending and the strength of consumer demand. Preliminary August consumer sentiment from the University of Michigan will follow at 10 a.m. ET, offering a look at how households view their finances and the broader economy, as well as where they expect prices to go.
ON THE SCHEDULE FOR FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2026
-8:30 a.m. ET – July retail sales
-10:00 a.m. ET – University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index (preliminary)
-10:00 a.m. ET – June business inventories
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