Wall Street Opens Modestly Higher While Japan GDP Disappoints

U.S. stock futures were mixed early Monday, coming off three consecutive weeks of gains for the S&P 500, which reached fresh record highs last week. Strong corporate earnings have boosted investor confidence, helping stocks remain resilient despite Middle East tensions and concerns surrounding the AI-driven market rally.

In Japan, the economy grew 1.1% on an annualized basis in the second quarter of 2026, slowing significantly from 2.1% in the previous quarter and falling short of the 2% expected growth. The slowdown reflects weaker domestic demand, which offset much of the support from exports. The Japanese yen was trading around 159.00 per dollar on Monday, having lost much of the strength it gained after last months coordinated U.S.-Japan currency intervention.

Oil prices rose in early Asian trading Monday as investors remained concerned about geopolitical risks and the lack of progress toward a U.S.-Iran diplomatic resolution. Brent crude was around $89.20 per barrel, while WTI was about $82.85.

Gold is trading just below $4,400 per ounce, maintaining a positive bias for the second consecutive day. The precious metal is being supported by weaker U.S. economic data, including a 0.6% drop in July retail sales and a decline in consumer sentiment. Cooling inflation and expectations that the Federal Reserve may not need to keep interest rates higher for longer have also weakened the U.S. dollar, supporting gold.

However, geopolitical tensions and higher oil prices are limiting golds gains. The ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz, and potential new U.S. economic measures against Iran are keeping investors cautious. Higher energy prices could also push inflation back up, potentially encouraging the Fed to maintain a more hawkish stance.

Markets are still pricing in roughly a 65% chance of at least one Fed rate hike by the . because it does not generate interest income.

This week is expected to be relatively quiet in terms of major market catalysts. Investors will focus on the Federal Reserves meeting minutes on Wednesday, along with Empire State manufacturing index. Overall, market sentiment remains broadly bullish, supported by strong earnings and record highs, although investors are watching for signs that economic data, Fed policy, or geopolitical risks could challenge the rally.