High-impact CPI data arrives next Tuesday at 8:30 am, followed by PPI on Wednesday at 8:30 am and the Fed’s Beige Book at 2:00 pm. Thursday features crucial Retail Sales at 8:30 am. Today, Thursday, watch Jobless Claims at 8:30 am and Fed’s Williams at 9:00 am. These inflation metrics are vital as traders weigh potential pivot points amidst recent cooling labor signals and ongoing Fed speaker caution regarding the 2% target.
Traders should hedge positions ahead of Tuesday's CPI to manage potential spikes in $SPY and $QQQ volatility. Focus on the Retail Sales print on Thursday to gauge consumer strength. If inflation misses expectations, look for a bullish breakout in small-caps as rate cut probabilities increase.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.