PepsiCo earnings, small business optimism, Fed speakers: 3 things to watch

Investing.com -- Stocks ended higher on Monday, erasing losses from earlier in the day amid escalating conflict in the Middle East.

This week includes the release of two key inflation reports that could influence the Federal Reserve's next decision on interest rates. The Fed has been closely monitoring reports on jobs and inflation as it assesses how well its policy actions to date have worked to cool inflation, though it remains determined to push the rate back to its 2% annual target.

Producer prices and consumer prices for September are expected out later this week, as is consumer sentiment as recorded by the University of Michigan.

The futures markets have only a small probability on the Fed raising rates when it next meets in November, as most traders continue to believe the Fed will pause again. Minutes from the last Fed meeting in September are due out on Wednesday and could give investors a glimpse into the policy makers' thinking about rates for the remainder of the year. 

Earnings from big banks such as JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) starting later this week could also give investors a reading on the economy, with executives expected to update on what they see in consumer credit and spending trends.

Here are three things that could affect markets tomorrow:

1. PepsiCo earnings

The beverage and snack maker PepsiCo Inc (NASDAQ:PEP) is expected to report earnings per share of $2.15 on revenue of $23.4 billion.

2. Small business outlook

The NFIB small business reading for September is due out at 6:00 ET (10:00 GMT). Analysts expect it to say 91.4, up slightly from the prior reading of 91.3.

3. Fed speakers

Fed officials are slated to speak on Tuesday, including Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic, Gov. Christopher Waller, Minneapolis Fed President Neek Kashkari and San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly.