"Market Update: Dow Hits Record High, Nasdaq Slips, Stocks Steady Ahead of Inflation Data"

US stocks closed mixed as the S&P 500 ended just below the flat line after a record-setting week, the Dow Jones hit a fresh record, and the Nasdaq fell 0.3%. Nvidia and Arm stocks surged to new records, while Diamondback Energy jumped 8% after announcing a $26 billion merger. Investors are preparing for the first key inflation update of the year and the next wave of earnings reports, with the Consumer Price Index due Tuesday and expectations for the timing and pace of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts this year. JPMorgan upgraded Lowe's stock on optimism about home-renovation projects, and the White House is closely watching food prices ahead of the inflation reading. GM confirmed pricing and range for its Equinox EV, and Nvidia's market cap surpassed Amazon and Alphabet.