NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street will get financial updates from some of the nation's biggest retailers this week, along with more details from the Federal Reserve's most recent meeting.
Home Depot reports its latest results on Tuesday, followed by Target and Lowes on Wednesday, and then Walmart on Thursday. The results will help give investors a more detailed picture of how businesses and consumers are handling stubbornly high inflation.
The rate of inflation remains solidly above 3%. The ongoing U.S. war with Iran prompted a surge in oil prices, which jolted gasoline prices. Higher prices on everything from gasoline to groceries and any goods that are shipped could prompt people to shift or cut spending.
Results from Home Depot and Lowes could provide more insight into the housing market and whether people are spending more or less on home improvements. Results and forecasts from retail giants Target and Walmart could provide more insight into how households are budgeting and spending.
Wall Street and economists will get more details about the Fed's interest rate policy when the central bank releases minutes from the July meeting on Wednesday.
The Fed once again held its interest rate steady in July amid worries about stubborn inflation, the jobs market and the direction of the economy. But three officials dissented in favor of higher rates during the meeting. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh described the policy discussion to reporters as a “good family fight.” Wall Street expects at least one rate hike before the end of 2026.
A general view shows the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
DARWIN, Australia (AP) — Bangladesh moved to within sight of one of the biggest wins in its test cricket history after Australia stumbled to 161-4 and remained 67 runs behind at stumps on Day 3 of the first test on Saturday.
Cameron Green (43 not out) and Alex Carey (19 not out) dug in to keep Australia afloat, but the hosts face a huge task to first erase the deficit and then build a competitive total to defend in the final innings. Bangladesh needs six wickets to secure its first test victory in Australia and arguably the biggest win in its history in the format.
Resuming at 351-6, Mehidy Hasan Miraz calmly shepherded Bangladesh’s tail to another 75 runs, taking the visitors to 426 and extending their first-innings lead beyond 200 before returning to make the crucial breakthrough with the ball, removing Steve Smith late in the day.
Mehidy shared partnerships of 46 with Hasan Mahmud, 18 with Taijul Islam and then a handy 46-run partnership with Taskin Ahmed before eventually falling for 65 from 154 balls.
Australia was at times its own enemy with another three dropped catches Saturday, including an inexplicable drop by Smith in the deep, making it five for the battered hosts across the match.
Josh Hazlewood claimed all four wickets to fall on Saturday and returned 6-89 off 28 overs for the innings. His fifth wicket of Mehidy was also his 300th test wicket, making him the fourth of Australia’s Big Four bowling attack to reach the milestone, and the ninth Australian to do so.
Hazlewood then removed Ebadot Hossein caught behind for 7 to end the innings at 426 to mark a strong return after 12 months out of the test team through injuries.
“From my point of view I think I bowled four out of six good balls a lot of the time and let things off in those other two," Hazlewood said.
“I am still standing. That’s good. It was a pretty tough slog straight-up. Obviously the more matches you play the better you get through those longer spells.”
Australia lost both openers cheaply before tea as Bangladesh strengthened its grip at Marrara Stadium.
Jake Weatherald (0) and Travis Head (17) both chopped on to paceman Hasan Mahmud attempting cut shots too close to their stumps as Australia slid to 37-2.
It took Mahmud’s (2-33) match wicket tally to eight after his return of 6-55 in the first innings limited the hosts to 198 and set the tone for the tourists' upper hand for the following two days.
Marnus Labuschagne, also in search of runs after a lean spell, looked busy at the crease until he missed a straight ball from spinner Taijul Islam (1-28) and was bowled for 31 from 59 balls.
Australia’s hopes of salvaging the match rested on Smith’s shoulders and the veteran looked composed as he characteristically accumulated his runs with low risk.
The match spun firmly toward Bangladesh though, when Mehidy (1-20) took a sharp caught and bowled chance from Smith (44) as Australia sunk to 122-4, still 106 in arrears.
“If we can bat deep into tomorrow and potentially the whole day there is always the opportunity to take 10 wickets on the final day," Hazlewood said.
“Winning is still in our mind and always is.”
The largest first-innings deficit Australia has come back from to win a home test was 206, when it trailed Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2010.
The two-test “Top End” series starts a heavy 12-month schedule for the Australians that will feature 20 test matches, including tours to South Africa, India and England.
See AP’s full cricket coverage here
Hasan Mahmud, center, of Bangladesh reacts after dismissing Australia's Travis Head, left, during play on day three of the first cricket test in Darwin, Australia, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, (James Ross/AAPImage via AP)
Steve Smith of Australia exits the field after being caught and bowled by Mehidy Hasan Miraz of Bangladesh during play on day three of the first cricket test in Darwin, Australia, Saturday, Aug.15, 2026. (James Ross/AAPImage via AP)
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, center, of Bangladesh is congratulated by teammates after taking the wicket of Australia's Steve Smith during play on day three of the first cricket test in Darwin, Australia, Saturday, Aug.15, 2026, (James Ross/AAPImage via AP)
Australia's captain Pat Cummins prepares to catch the ball during play on day three of the first cricket test against Bangladesh in Darwin, Australia, Saturday, Aug.15, 2026, (James Ross/AAPImage via AP)
Mehidy Hasan Miraz of Bangladesh bats during play on day three of the first cricket test in Darwin, Australia, Saturday, Aug.15, 2026, (James Ross/AAPImage via AP)
Australian players from left, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins and Marnus Labuschagne react at the close of play on day two of the first cricket test against Bangladesh in Darwin, Australia, Friday, Aug.14, 2026, (James Ross/AAPImage via AP)
Mehidy Hasan Miraz of Bangladesh bats during play on day three of the first cricket test against Australia in Darwin, Australia, Saturday, Aug.15, 2026, (James Ross/AAPImage via AP)
