The S&P 500 is on track to end the week close to a record high after a boost from slowing inflation and AI stocks. Futures for the benchmark U.S. index are flat early Friday.

On Thursday, the S&P 500 closed at an all‑time high for the 27th time this year. The lift came from two inflation readings that eased Fed rate pressure. Data‑storage and memory stocks Sandisk, Seagate Technology and Micron jumped higher. AI‑related stocks also helped.

Before the bell, Reddit shares spiked after the social‑media company was added to the S&P 500. Oil prices rose after reports that a tanker was attacked while leaving the Persian Gulf.

Retail‑sale data will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET, offering insight into consumer spending. Investors will watch as the market balances growth momentum against a cautious policy outlook.