Stocks Struggle Near Record Before Inflation Data: Markets Wrap

Stocks pushed away from their all-time highs amid a slide in a handful of big techs, with traders awaiting readings on inflation and retail sales for clues on the Federal Reserve’s next steps.

Stocks flounder after hitting record

Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg

Equities struggled to gain traction after a rally that has defied every doomsday scenario on Wall Street. Despite the pause in gains on Wednesday, the S&P 500 remains in its longest stretch since 2018 without a decline of at least 2%, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The current set-up reflects the drivers that have powered stocks higher this year: solid growth, prospects for ...