Stocks rise on Wall Street as markets wait for data in U.S. inflation reports

Wall Street pointed higher in early trading Monday ahead of two government inflation reports this week that could impact the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision. Futures for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average each rose 0.2% before the bell. Nasdaq futures gained 0.4%. The Fed hasn’t touched its benchmark borrowing rate in 2025, in part due to healthy unemployment levels and inflation that remains above its 2% target. Uncertainty over the impact President Donald Trump’s tariffs—which most economists say trigger price increases—have bolstered the Fed’s position so far this year, despite Trump’s calls for a rate cut. However, recent data have shown a deteriorating labor market and many expect the U.S. central bank to issue a quarter-point cut when it meets next week. Such