US equities advanced on Friday as traders assessed a new inflation reading and prepared for next week’s Federal Reserve decision. Major indexes posted moderate

It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future,’ Yogi Berra said. He could have been talking about Wall Street.

Indian stock market indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are expected to open flat amid global market cues. Key triggers this week include economic agreements with Russia, US Fed policy, and CPI inflation data.

Stocks finished mixed and little changed Thursday, a day after the three major equities indexes all rose for the seventh time in eight sessions as weak private-sector employment data furthered traders' belief that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates at its meeting next week.

The headlines about new stock market highs are hiding the fundamental erosion in many consumer areas. While employment looks fine and inflation seems stable, consumers are making budget shifts to match their higher expenses to their income levels.

With the above being said, three catalysts stand out as viable sparks to kick-start a stock market crash in 2026. Arguably, the elephant in the room for 2026 is the historical priciness of the stock market.