Market Moods and Economic Missteps The S&P 500 Index closed 0. 17% lower on Friday, prompting investors to reassess the latest economic indicators.
While weak US retail sales numbers and consumer sentiment reports are cause for concern, it's unclear whether these developments signal a broader trend or a minor stumble.
The bond market is skeptical about the Fed's plans to raise interest rates in September, with odds dropping to 32% from 35%. This shift hasn't alleviated concerns about inflation, however.