Markets face a pivotal week as the S&P 500 ($SPX) (SPY) navigates mounting political pressure on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell amid growing calls for more aggressive rate cuts following recent labor market weakening. President Trump has intensified criticism of Powell's cautious approach to monetary policy, while reports emerge that the administration has widened its search for Powell's potential successor, with former St. Louis Fed President James Bullard, National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett, and Fed Governor Christopher Waller among the names under consideration. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is reportedly leading the search process and conducting initial interviews, adding uncertainty to an already complex policy environment. The week delivers a comprehensive inflation assessment through Tuesday's Consumer Price Index and Thursday's Producer Price Index, while Friday's retail sales data will provide insights into consumer spending patterns that account for approximately two-thirds of GDP.
Here are 5 things to watch this week in the Market.
