Week In Perspective | Inflation Cools Again; S&P Up Third Week [17-August-26]

Updated: 08-17-2026

The Week on Wall Street

Stocks were mixed over a sleepy summer week, as cooling inflation lifted markets while sluggish retail sales nipped at investor sentiment.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index added 0.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged up 0.14 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.56 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, advanced 0.26 percent.^1,2

Third Straight for S&P 500

Stocks began the week with mild declines, with megacap tech names under pressure as investors anxiously awaited inflation updates.³

But spirits lifted midweek as a July inflation report showed consumer prices increased at a slower pace, leading investors to hope the Fed would not adjust rates at its next meeting.

The AI trade also jumped back into the driver’s seat to add momentum. The rebound rally extended into Thursday as investors cheered a cooler-than-expected report that showed wholesale inflation slowed over the prior month. Falling oil prices also gave stocks a boost. 4,⁵

While stocks slipped slightly on Friday, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq each logged their third consecutive winning week.⁶

Inflation Cools, Spending Slows

Wednesday’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showed consumer prices rose 0.1 percent in July over the prior month and 3.4 percent over the prior 12 months. Both figures came in as expected, which was welcomed news for investors.

Thursday’s Producer Price Index (PPI) showed that the pace of wholesale inflation also slowed more than expected.⁷

But the inflation update was somewhat countered by news that consumers spent less in July. Economists expected a 0.1 percent increase in July retail sales over the prior month, but they actually fell 0.6 percent month-over-month.⁸

THIS WEEK: KEY ECONOMIC DATA

Monday: NAHB Housing Market Index.

Tuesday: Housing Starts. Import Prices. Industrial Production. Capacity Utilization. Pending Home Sales.

Wednesday: Fed Meeting Minutes from July published.

Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Leading Indicators.

Friday: Purchasing Managers Index (PMI)—Manufacturing. PMI—Services.

Source: Investor’s Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar: August 14, 2026.

The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.

This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings

Tuesday: The Home Depot, Inc. (HD), Keysight Technologies Inc. (KEYS)

Wednesday: Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX), Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (LOW), Target Corporation (TGT)

Thursday: Walmart Inc. (WMT), Deere & Company (DE), Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST)

Source: Zacks, August 14, 2026. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule their earnings reports without notice.

This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.