New York City, NY – Investors found relief as U.S. stocks climbed on Friday, driven by encouraging data on inflation and reactions to the recent Biden-Trump debate. The S&P 500 edged up around 0.1%, nearing its all-time high, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose by 0.3%. In contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped by about 0.1%.

This positive end to a tumultuous week followed a rebound for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, which had been grappling with a three-day losing streak. Although the markets are poised for a strong start to the second half of the year, concerns linger about potential pullbacks in the coming months.

The Federal Reserve’s latest report on inflation provided some reassurance, showing a slowdown in price increases in May. The core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, a key metric monitored by the Fed, saw a modest 0.1% rise from the previous month, aligning with analysts’ expectations.

With the looming November election in the United States, market watchers closely observed President Joe Biden’s performance in the recent debate against Donald Trump. Biden’s lackluster showing raised concerns among some Democrats, while Trump’s promises of tax cuts and trade restrictions were seen as potential drivers for stock market gains.

Despite the positive economic indicators, some companies faced challenges. Nike’s stock plummeted by more than 15% after the company projected a larger-than-expected decline in sales for 2025. Similarly, Walgreens shares remained under pressure following a significant drop the previous day.

Investors are also monitoring consumer spending trends, with some major companies issuing cautious sales forecasts. Companies like Nike and Walgreens serve as bellwethers for consumer sentiment, offering insights into broader economic health and market trends. As uncertainties persist, market participants look to upcoming data releases and earnings reports for further guidance on the economy’s trajectory.