"Stock Market Today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq Near Record Highs Ahead of Key U.S. Inflation Data"

U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher Ahead of Key Inflation Reports

Wall Street started the week on a cautious yet positive note as U.S. stock futures climbed early Monday, with markets sitting near record highs. Traders are bracing for critical inflation data that could shape the Federal Reserve’s next move on interest rates.

Market Performance

Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) futures gained 121 points (+0.3%).
S&P 500 futures rose 0.1%.
Nasdaq-100 futures traded slightly above the flatline.

The market’s momentum cooled after a Financial Times report revealed Nvidia and AMD agreed to give up part of their revenue from specific chip sales to China in exchange for export licenses. This news pushed Nvidia shares down 1% and AMD shares down 2% in premarket trading.

Recent Stock Market Rally

Last week ended on a strong note:

Nasdaq Composite hit a new closing high.
S&P 500 closed just below another major milestone.
Dow Jones also finished higher, boosted by a surprise rally in Apple, which has underperformed for much of 2025.

Investor Sentiment

Some analysts warn that sky-high valuations, slowing economic growth, and tariff pressures could limit further gains, especially during the seasonally weak summer period.

“We are likely entering a digestion phase,” said Jay Woods, Chief Global Strategist at Freedom Capital Markets. “A period of sideways market movement isn’t bad—it’s healthy for long-term growth.”

Key Inflation Data This Week

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) will be released Tuesday, followed by the Producer Price Index (PPI) on Thursday. These reports will be closely watched for signs of inflation pressures.

Hotter-than-expected CPI/PPI data could slow the rally.
Cooler readings could give markets more room to climb.

Fed’s Next Big Event

The inflation reports will set the stage for the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole Symposium in Wyoming (Aug. 21–23), which will likely guide expectations for the September Fed meeting.

Woods emphasized: “The CPI report is the most important factor right now—it will shape monetary policy.”

In summary: Markets are optimistic but cautious. This week’s inflation numbers could decide whether Wall Street pushes to new records or pauses for a breather.