FX.co ★ US Futures Edge Higher as Inflation Data Eyed

U.S. stock futures edged upward on Monday as investors geared up for two pivotal inflation reports this week, which have the potential to influence the near-term trajectory of interest rates, following last week's disappointing employment statistics. The Producer Price Index is scheduled for release on Wednesday, with the Consumer Price Index following on Thursday. Last Friday saw major stock indices initially surge to new record highs before reversing course and ending in the negative, as weaker-than-expected August job figures stoked concerns about an economic slowdown. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 0.48% on Friday, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite slipped by 0.32% and 0.03%, respectively. Currently, markets have almost entirely factored in a 25 basis-point interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve later this month, though some investors are bracing for a potential larger increase of half a point, contingent on this week's inflation data.