The S&P 500 added 0.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite edged up 0.14 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.56 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, advanced 0.26 percent.
Stocks Post Third Straight Winning Week
Stocks began the week with mild declines, with megacap technology names under pressure as investors anxiously awaited inflation updates.³
But spirits lifted midweek as a July inflation report showed consumer prices increased at a slower pace, leading investors to hope the Fed would not adjust rates at its next meeting.
The AI trade also jumped back into the driver’s seat to add momentum. The rebound rally extended into Thursday as investors cheered a cooler-than-expected report that showed wholesale inflation slowed over the prior month. Falling oil prices also gave stocks a boost.⁴˒⁵
While stocks slipped slightly on Friday, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq each logged their third consecutive winning week.⁶
Inflation Cools, Spending Slows
Wednesday’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showed consumer prices rose 0.1 percent in July from the prior month and 3.4 percent over the prior 12 months. Both figures came in as expected, which was welcome news for investors.
Thursday’s Producer Price Index (PPI) showed that the pace of wholesale inflation also slowed more than expected.⁷
But the inflation update was somewhat countered by news that consumers spent less in July. Economists expected a 0.1 percent increase in July retail sales from the prior month, but sales actually fell 0.6 percent month-over-month.⁸
Economic Data to Watch
Monday: NAHB Housing Market Index.
Tuesday: Housing Starts. Import Prices. Industrial Production. Capacity Utilization. Pending Home Sales.
Wednesday: Fed Meeting Minutes from July published.
Thursday: Weekly Jobless Claims. Leading Indicators.
Friday: Purchasing Managers Index (PMI)—Manufacturing. PMI—Services.
Source: Investor’s Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar: August 14, 2026. The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.
Upcoming Earnings Reports
Tuesday: The Home Depot, Inc. (HD), Keysight Technologies Inc. (KEYS)
Wednesday: Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX), Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (LOW), Target Corporation (TGT)
Thursday: Walmart Inc. (WMT), Deere & Company (DE), Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST)
Source: Zacks, August 14, 2026. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule their earnings reports without notice.
Footnotes And Sources1. WSJ.com, August 14, 2026
2. Investing.com, August 14, 2026
3. CNBC.com, August 11, 2026
4. CNBC.com, August 12, 2026
5. CNBC.com, August 13, 2026
6. WSJ.com, August 14, 2026
7. CNBC.com, August 12, 2026
8. WSJ.com, August 14, 2026
Source: YCharts.com, August 15, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, August 10 to Friday, August 14.TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the period.Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points.