S&P 500 Edges Higher Amid Economic Data and Rate Expectations

The S&P 500 opened slightly higher on Friday, rising by 0.10% to 7,806.6 after closing at a record high the previous day.

This modest gain came as investors assessed fresh retail sales data and Federal Reserve interest-rate expectations.

Stronger economic activity could reduce expectations for near-term rate cuts, while signs of slowing growth or easing inflation could increase expectations for a more accommodative Federal Reserve policy.