Weekly Roundup: Big-Box Earnings, Retail Sales, and Fed Minutes

This week, the focus will be on the state of the US consumer as big-box retailers like Home Depot, Target, and Walmart report their quarterly earnings. The July retail sales report will also be released, providing insight into consumer spending trends. Additionally, the minutes from the Federal Reserve's July meeting will be published, offering further information on the future path of monetary policy. Economists are closely watching consumer spending and inflation data to assess the strength of the economy and the potential for a second-half slowdown.