08/18/2026
The S&P 500 ended the week modestly higher as a string of favorable inflation reports offset concerns surrounding stalled peace talks involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, 30-year U.S. Treasury yields climbed to 5.2%, their highest level since 2001. July inflation data provided encouragement, with the CPI, core CPI, and PPI all decelerating on a Y/Y basis. Brent crude oil traded below $90 per barrel throughout the week. Small business optimism rose to 99.8 as inflation concerns eased, while the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 51. Looking ahead, investors will focus on U.S. industrial production and housing starts, the Federal Reserve's July meeting minutes, and S&P Global's August PMIs for both the manufacturing and services sectors.
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