Retailers Face High Stakes in Week Ahead Amid Inflation Fears
US stocks have been fluctuating in a big week for retailers as new questions arise about consumers' state of mind. Despite profits booming for major US companies, retailers face pressure from high inflation and a slowing job market.
The S&P 500 slipped 0.1% on Monday but remains near its all-time high set Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 163 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite was virtually unchanged. Big retailers such as Home Depot, Target, and Walmart are expected to release their profit reports this week.
Analysts have expressed concern about the impact of inflation on consumers' income. A recent report showed that shoppers spent less at US retailers last month than in June. CEOs for retailers may provide insight into consumer behavior with their reports this week.