Wall Street Week Ahead: Fed Minutes, Retail Earnings and Key Data to Set Market Tone

Investors will focus on the Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes, major retail earnings and important economic releases for fresh signals on the US rate outlook. The Fed minutes, due Wednesday, will be closely watched for clues about policymakers’ views on interest rates and the possibility of a September hike. Expectations for a near-term increase have softened after weaker employment data and easing inflation pressures. Major retailers including Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Costco, Kroger and Albertsons are scheduled to report results, offering insights into consumer demand and the strength of the US economy. On the data front, investors will track August preliminary PMI readings, the Empire State and Philadelphia Fed manufacturing surveys, along with July industrial production and housing-start figures. Treasury auctions will also remain in focus, with the US government set to sell 20-year bonds and 30-year inflation-protected securities during the week. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing,