Analysis-US stock gains may grow elusive as boost from inflation slowdown wanes
As inflation worries ease, U.S. stocks may need a fresh source of fuel to propel further gains this year, investors said. Data released on Thursday showed annual inflation, which had been running at 40-year highs a year ago, rose at a more moderate pace than expected in July, supporting the so-called "Goldilocks" narrative of disinflation and resilient growth that has won over bearish investors and boosted risk assets this year. The S&P 500 has gained more than 16% on a year-to-date basis, though it was last trading largely flat on Thursday.