US Stock Futures Rise Amid Inflation, Fed Appointment, Tariff Uncertainty

U.S. stock futures rose early in the week amid cautious optimism as investors prepared for key economic data releases, including July's consumer price index (CPI) and retail sales figures. Expectations of slightly higher inflation and retail spending have traders weighing the likelihood of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, with over 80% odds currently priced in for a September reduction if CPI data softens. President Donald Trump's interim appointment of Stephen Miran to the Federal Reserve sparked gains in stock futures due to hopes for a more lenient monetary policy, although concerns about the Fed's independence remain. Markets also responded to geopolitical and tariff developments, including tariffs on gold bullion bars that pushed gold futures to record intraday highs, and ongoing uncertainties around U.S.-China trade relations and Russian oil imports. Despite strong corporate earnings supporting equities and a near-record high for the S&P 500, analysts caution about potential volatility due to high valuations and erratic trade policy decisions. Overall, the market is poised for a pivotal week with inflation data and retail sales poised to influence the Federal Reserve's next policy moves and market direction.