U.S. stocks retreated Friday after the S&P 500 hit a record high Thursday, with deteriorating consumer sentiment and weak retail sales tempering bullish momentum. Despite the pullback, the S&P 500 wrapped its third consecutive weekly gain, while energy surged on rising oil prices.
→ Fed Jackson Hole symposium later this month—critical for forward guidance on September rate decision amid divided internal debate.
→ Upcoming economic data including jobless claims and Eurozone CPI; watch whether consumer weakness spreads or stabilizes heading into fall.
→ Middle East geopolitical tensions continue to support oil prices; monitor any escalation that could shift market risk sentiment.