This week brings key inflation data with the July Consumer Price Index on Wednesday and the Producer Price Index on Thursday. Analysts expect headline CPI to ease to 3.4% year over year from 3.5%, marking the second straight monthly decline, while core CPI is forecast at 2.5%. Wholesale inflation measured by PPI is projected to cool to 5.1% from 5.5%, though it remains well above the Federal Reserve's comfort zone. Cooler prints could reinforce expectations that the Fed will hold rates steady at its September meeting and potentially fuel another push into record territory for stocks. Earnings continue with Cisco Systems reporting Wednesday, while RocketLabs and Hims & Hers are also on the calendar.
