U.S. stocks edged modestly higher on Wednesday following a benign Consumer Price Index report that showed inflation cooling to 3.4% annually. Strong AI earnings from CoreWeave and Super Micro Computer buoyed tech sentiment, though major indices posted muted gains amid ongoing geopolitical tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.
→ After-hours earnings flow and guidance revisions, particularly from AI-exposed names like Nvidia ahead of August 26 earnings; watch whether momentum from CoreWeave/SMCI extends to broader chip stocks.
→ Fed speakers and economic commentary tomorrow as markets digest what "cooler CPI" means for September rate decision—3 FOMC members previously voted to hike, creating uncertainty on the path ahead.
→ Oil price action and headlines on U.S.-Iran negotiations; any breakthrough on Hormuz closure could ease inflation expectations further and support equity rallies, while escalation risks could reverse gains.