In a week marked by the release of key economic data, US stocks remained near record highs in muted early trading. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average were flat, while the Nasdaq Composite dipped slightly. Tech stocks continue to lead a rally driven by AI, prompting Wall Street banks to raise their year-end S&P targets. However, optimism may be tested as May's retail sales numbers fell short of expectations, indicating potential strain on consumers. Add to that the looming focus on interest rates, with Fed officials expected to provide more guidance. Despite signals of a single rate cut in 2024, investors are still anticipating two cuts before the year's end. With uncertainty in the air, the market stands at a critical juncture as it navigates through economic fluctuations and the future trajectory of interest rates.