Retail Earnings and Fed Watch Keep Markets in Check

US stock futures hovered NEAR flatlines as investors awaited earnings from retail heavyweights and parsed inflation signals ahead of Jerome Powell's Jackson Hole speech. The Dow (YM=F), S&P 500 (ES=F), and Nasdaq 100 (NQ=F) showed minimal movement—a holding pattern reflecting market uncertainty.

Home Depot kicks off retail earnings season Tuesday, followed by Target and Walmart later in the week. These reports will gauge consumer resilience amid new tariff pressures. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions simmer as former President TRUMP reportedly mediates between Russia and Ukraine.

All eyes now turn to Wyoming. The Fed chair's Friday address at Jackson Hole could signal policymakers' next MOVE as sticky inflation collides with labor market fragility. Powell's remarks may determine whether September brings rate cuts or continued restraint.