S&P, NASDAQ Eke out Small Gains to Finish Monday



Stocks seesawed Monday, but managed to maintain the momentum from late last week, as investors braced for key inflation data.

The Dow Jones Industrial index withered 140.53 points to 39,367.01.

The S&P 500 index eked up 0.23 points to 5,344.39.

The NASDAQ progressed 35.31 points to 16,780.61. Shares of Nvidia advanced 4% to help the NASDAQ’s climb. Peer technology stocks Microsoft and Apple were both were marginally higher.

Wall Street is also watching for the July producer price index report on Tuesday. July retail sales are also due out Thursday.

The forthcoming batch of inflation data will be key for markets that remain jittery following increased volatility. Wednesday’s consumer price index report for July will be a pivotal cue as to whether the economy remains sound, or if investors will remain uneasy following July’s weak non-farm payrolls report which contributed to the recent selloff.

Prices for the 10-year Treasury gained ground Monday, lowering yields to 3.91% from Friday’s 3.94%. Treasury prices and yields move in opposite directions.

Oil prices marched ahead $2.81 at $79.65 U.S. a barrel.

Gold prices were better by $37.90 to $2,503.10.