Investors eagerly await the July inflation report, set to be released at 8:30 a.m. ET. Futures are currently flat, with the Russell 2000 leading the pack. 153 earnings reports are expected today, including Sea, Cardinal Health, and Tencent Music Entertainment.

Analysts are closely monitoring the inflation data, hoping for signs of acceleration due to increased tariff rates. The NFIB Business Optimism Index is expected to remain steady at 98.6. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ inflation report will be the day’s key market influencer.

President Trump’s recent firing of the BLS Commissioner raises concerns about the credibility of economic data. The nomination of a conservative economist to lead the agency could further politicize important economic information. This move may impact the decisions made by the Federal Reserve, businesses, and households.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Investors await July’s heavily-watched inflation print