NEW YORK — (AP) — U.S. stocks are holding steadier Monday after a roller-coaster end to last week left them a bit shy of their records.
The S&P 500 was virtually unchanged in early trading, coming off a stretch where a 1.2% drop immediately flipped to a 1.1% gain. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 51 points, or 0.1%, as of 9:35 a.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was basically flat.
Much of the focus has been on interest rates and when the Federal Reserve will lower them to ease pressure on the economy and financial system. A string of reports showing both inflation and the economy have remained hotter than expected has forced Wall Street to delay forecasts for when relief on rates could arrive.
This upcoming week has several flashpoints that could further swing expectations. On Wednesday will come the latest monthly update on the inflation that U.S. consumers are feeling. Later in …