What’s Ahead in the Markets This Week: Updates on Inflation, Housing Trends, and Consumer Confidence; Oracle and Adobe Earnings Reports

Inflation Takes Center Stage This Week

This week, inflation is set to be a primary focus as two significant reports on price trends are scheduled for release just before the Federal Reserve’s upcoming interest rate meeting. These updates will offer new insights into living costs, influencing central bankers as they consider potential rate cuts and investors as they monitor shifts in energy prices. Meanwhile, data on existing home sales and other housing metrics will be closely watched by economists for signs of improvement in the real estate sector.

Market participants will also be paying attention to developments in the AI and software industries, with earnings announcements expected from Oracle, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Adobe. Dollar General is among the major retailers reporting results, and Chinese electric vehicle makers competing with Tesla are also set to release their financials.

Be sure to check out the full schedule of important events below, along with an additional noteworthy update.

Key Inflation Data Arrives as Fed Weighs Next Steps

Recent economic signals have been mixed regarding price trends. On Wednesday, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for February will be published, following a January reading that was lower than anticipated. Later in the week, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index for January will be released, coming after a December report that showed this key inflation measure rising more than forecasted.

The Federal Reserve is preparing for its meeting next week, with policymakers divided over whether to reduce interest rates further after recently deciding to keep them unchanged. Several housing indicators are also due, including existing home sales, as buyers remain cautious about re-entering the market. Additional data on housing starts and earnings from homebuilder Lennar are expected. Investors will also be monitoring trade figures for tariff impacts and the latest consumer sentiment survey, which could reveal whether recent unrest in the Middle East is influencing spending habits.

AI and Software Earnings in the Spotlight

Oracle’s share price has dropped significantly from its September peak amid broader weakness in the software sector. Despite this, the company is moving forward with expansion plans, including raising $50 billion to invest in AI data center infrastructure. Adobe’s upcoming earnings will also provide a snapshot of the software industry’s health.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise is set to report on Monday, potentially offering further insight into AI-related spending. While analysts expect continued demand for the company’s IT products and services, it issued a less optimistic forecast earlier this year.

Dollar General’s financial update will shed light on the retail landscape, with recent results indicating the company is benefiting from ongoing price pressures. Other notable reports this week include Campbell’s, Ulta Beauty, and Petco. In the electric vehicle space, Tesla’s Chinese rivals, Li Auto and Nio, will also announce their earnings.

This Week’s Economic and Earnings Calendar

Monday, March 9

• Major Earnings: Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Casey’s General Store (CASY), Vail Resorts (MTN)

Tuesday, March 10

• Existing Home Sales (February)
• Additional Data: NFIB Small Business Optimism Index (February)
• Major Earnings: Oracle (ORCL), AeroVironment (AVAV), Nio (NIO)

Wednesday, March 11

• Consumer Price Index (February)
• Additional Data: Monthly U.S. Federal Budget (February)
• Major Earnings: Campbell’s (CPB), UiPath (PATH), Petco (WOOF)

Thursday, March 12

• U.S. Trade Deficit (January)
• Additional Data: Initial Jobless Claims (Week ending March 7), Housing Starts (January)
• Major Earnings: Adobe (ADBE), Dollar General (DG), Ulta Beauty (ULTA), Lennar (LEN), Dick’s Sporting Goods (DKS), Li Auto (LI)

Friday, March 13

• Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (January)
• Additional Data: Gross Domestic Product – First Revision (Q4), Durable Goods Orders (January), Job Openings (January), Preliminary Consumer Sentiment (March)

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