Equity markets rose early as oil prices dipped even as the August inflation report showed prices edging up, leaving uncertainty about whether the Fed might hike rates next week.

Liz Ann Sonders shares her perspective on the U.S. stock market and economy in this monthly Market Snapshot video.

Stocks remained range-bound, but underlying market volatility, sector rotation, rising oil prices, Treasury yields, and positioning ahead of next week's FOMC meeting kept the outlook cautious as equities tested key support levels.

Housing market expert Ivy Zelman explains why long-term demographic trends could have far-reaching implications for growth and housing demand.

The conflict in the Middle East sent energy prices soaring as the conflict spreads to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea.

August PPI is due at 8:30 a.m ET and precedes CPI Friday. Both have Fed rate implications. Stocks fell early this week on rising oil and yields. Oracle and Adobe report later.

Before PPI tomorrow, investors await an Apple event that may introduce a folding iPhone. There's also a 10-year Treasury note auction. Oil and yields remain headwinds for stocks.

History suggests slower Fed tightening tends to support stronger market returns and firmer economic growth, while faster hikes typically deepen drawdowns.

After a surprisingly firm August jobs report Friday that sent stocks down on rate hike fears, the market returns from a holiday weekend awaiting CPI data and Treasury auctions.