Producer prices, core prices, Michigan consumer sentiment: 3 things to watch

By Liz Moyer

Investing.com -- Stocks rebounded after days of losses as investors tried to shrug off concerns about a recession.

The concerns are being fueled by actions by the Federal Reserve to tame inflation, namely consecutive interest rate increases that some fear could ultimately tip the economy into a recession. The Fed next meets on Tuesday and will release its decision on rates on Wednesday. The expectation is that it will raise its benchmark by a half-percentage point, which is lower than its previous four rate hikes.

Still, strong job numbers and rising wages are a sign inflationary pressures linger, and could make the Fed keep rates higher for longer. That has weighed on growth stocks in recent days.

This month will still feature data on producer prices and consumer sentiment, both due out on Friday, as well as inflation readings. Investors will be listening to what Fed Chair Jerome Powell says at next week's press conference for hints on where the Fed is headed next.

Here are three things that could affect markets tomorrow:

1. Producer prices

The producer price index is due out at 8:30 ET (13:30 GMT), and analysts expect it to inch up 0.2% in November from the prior month.

2. Core PPI

The core PPI number, due out at the same time, is also expected to rise 0.2% from the prior month.

3. Michigan sentiment

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment reading for December is due out at 10:00 ET. Analysts are expecting a reading of 56.9.