Stocks End Mixed on Weakening Consumer

Wall Street drifted lower on Friday after retail sales posted their biggest drop in over a year and consumer sentiment slumped — but the S&P 500 still notched a third straight weekly gain as cooling inflation pushed Fed rate hike odds down to 33%. Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz remains at a near standstill, Brent crude is up almost 6% for the week, and 85% of S&P 500 companies have beaten earnings estimates this season. On the ASX, earnings season shifts into high gear with JB Hi-Fi and BlueScope today, then BHP, CSL and Cochlear later in the week. Plus: why rare earths and critical minerals could be the forgotten thematic of 2026.mpcmarkets.com.au/podcast