US Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Futures Edge Up As Inflation Worries Confront Weak Sales

The Morning Bull - US Market Morning Update Tuesday, Aug, 18 2026 US stock futures are slightly higher this morning, with E-mini S&P 500 contracts up about 0.1%, as investors weigh weaker US retail spending against stubborn inflation expectations and rising global bond yields. July retail sales fell 0.6%, with core sales down 0.2%. That signals households are pulling back a bit, which can pressure company revenues. At the same time, a key consumer survey shows year ahead inflation...