U.S. Stock Futures Flat Ahead of July CPI Data 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm After U.S. Inflation Data 
European Stocks Rise as U.S. Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
Asian Stocks Rise as AI Chip Rally Lifts South Korea, Japan 
Oil, Gold Rise as Geopolitical Risks Grip Markets Ahead of U.S. CPI 
Wall Street Hits Record High as Softer Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
Asian Currencies Steady Ahead of US CPI as Oil Prices Rise 
Trump Weighs Capital Gains Tax Cuts Ahead of Midterms 
Gold Prices Slip From Two-Month High as Inflation and Fed Outlook Drive Markets 
Canada-US Trade Talks Gain Momentum Ahead of Aug. 19 Tariff Deadline 
Australia Housing Crisis Deepens as Worker Shortages Delay Homebuilding 
Oil Prices Rise as Hormuz Tensions Threaten Global Supply 
Oil Prices Fall as U.S. Crude Inventories Surge and Hormuz Tensions Persist 
Gold Price Holds Near $4,400 as Hormuz Risks and CPI Drive Markets 
Australia Sets New Minimum Pay, Insurance Rules for Gig Workers 
Gold Prices Retreat From Two-Month High as Softer Inflation Eases Fed Rate Hike Bets 
Iran War Escalates as US, Houthis Target Ships Near Key Oil Routes 
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U.S. stock futures were largely unchanged Thursday evening after the S&P 500 closed at a record high, as softer producer inflation data eased concerns about a potential Federal Reserve interest-rate hike in September.
S&P 500 futures traded near 7,824.25, while Nasdaq 100 futures hovered around 30,178.50. Dow Jones futures were also flat at approximately 53,943 points.
Wall Street finished Thursday’s regular session higher, with the S&P 500 gaining 0.7% to a record 7,798.99. The Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.8%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 0.1%.
Technology stocks helped drive the rally. SanDisk shares surged nearly 14% following an optimistic long-term outlook, while Micron Technology climbed 4.2%. Microsoft gained almost 1%, and Meta Platforms jumped 2.8%.
Investor sentiment improved after U.S. producer price index data showed prices were unchanged in July following a revised 0.1% decline in June. On an annual basis, producer prices increased 4.7%, slowing considerably from June’s 5.5% rise.
The cooler PPI reading, combined with relatively moderate consumer inflation data and signs of weakness in the labor market, reduced expectations for a Federal Reserve rate increase in September. CME FedWatch data indicated markets were pricing in roughly a 65% probability that interest rates would remain unchanged.
Attention now shifts to Friday’s U.S. retail sales report, which could provide further insight into consumer spending and economic resilience. Investors will also monitor business inventories and the University of Michigan consumer sentiment report.
Oil prices remain another key factor for markets and the Fed’s inflation outlook. Brent crude dropped 2% to $87.07 per barrel on Thursday but remained elevated as Middle East tensions continued to threaten global energy supplies.
Concerns center on restricted tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz as efforts to resolve the conflict and restore normal shipping remain stalled. Persistently high energy prices could revive inflation pressures, potentially complicating the Federal Reserve’s path on interest rates.
