Stocks Edge Up Ahead of Inflation Data That Could Sway Fed Rate Cut Timing

• Wall Street edges higher ahead of key inflation data that could impact Fed rate cut outlook • Investor focus on Thursday's PCE price index release; continued high inflation could hinder recent stock rally • S&P 500 and Dow hit record highs last week, AI stock gains propel rally • Traders push back bets on timing of first Fed rate cut to June after hot CPI and PPI readings
• New economic data on durable goods, consumer confidence and manufacturing activity also on watch this week