Stocks Inch Up Ahead of US Inflation Data

The S&P 500 closed slightly higher on Friday, but all three major US stock indexes posted weekly declines as investors anxiously awaited upcoming US inflation data. Concerns about rising oil prices and interest rates have been weighing on investor sentiment. While the market expects the Federal Reserve to keep rates unchanged after its next meeting, there is a divided opinion about a potential pause in November. The S&P 500 fell 1.3% for the week, while the Nasdaq lost 1.9%. Energy stocks saw gains, while technology stocks rebounded after recent losses. Investors are closely watching the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for August, which will be released on September 13, for signals about the Fed's future moves.