U.S. stock indices are fluctuating near record levels, with the S&P 500 slightly lower while the Dow Jones Industrial Average shows gains. Expectations surround forthcoming interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, which are believed to enhance investment affordability. Mixed economic reports indicate rising retail spending but also signal concerning inflation sentiment among consumers. Despite recent inflation reports causing traders to reassess rate cut expectations, consumer outlook remains cautiously optimistic compared to earlier this year, following concerns over economic conditions and tariffs.
"Overall, consumers are no longer bracing for the worst-case scenario for the economy feared in April, when President Trump announced his stunning set of worldwide tariffs. However, consumers continue to expect both inflation and unemployment to deter their spending decisions."
"U.S. stocks are hanging around their record levels on Friday as Wall Street heads toward the finish of another winning week. The S&P 500 edged down by 0.1% from the all-time high it set the day before, but it's still on track to close its fourth winning week in the last five."
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