This week in the markets, investors will be closely watching several key events and data releases.
### Key Events and Data Releases
1. **Earnings Reports**: Major retailers Lowe’s, Target, Palo Alto Networks, and Snowflake will be releasing their quarterly earnings. Investors are particularly interested in Target’s results, which have shown a significant improvement in sales and profit forecasts.
2. **Federal Reserve Comments**: Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and other central bank officials will be delivering remarks throughout the week. Powell’s speech at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium on Friday is expected to provide clarity on the Fed’s interest rate policy, following positive economic data on inflation and retail sales.
3. **Democratic National Convention**: The Democratic National Convention will be held from Monday to Thursday, featuring speeches from presidential candidate Kamala Harris and other prominent figures.
4. **Economic Data**: The week will also bring fresh data on inflation, housing, and retail sales. The release of the July Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting minutes on Wednesday will provide insights into the Fed’s discussions on economic conditions.
### Market Outlook
Investors are anticipating a September interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve, following positive economic indicators. The market will be closely monitoring the earnings reports from major retailers and technology firms, as well as the comments from Federal Reserve officials, for any indications of a potential rate cut.
Overall, this week promises to be a significant one for market watchers, with a mix of economic data releases, earnings reports, and key speeches from Federal Reserve officials.