US stocks wavered on Tuesday as traders prepared for a series of economic data releases, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 remaining largely unchanged. Brent crude fell 1.6% to $104 per barrel, while key reports on job openings and consumer confidence are expected to influence the Federal Reserve’s next move. Mauro Valle of Generali Asset Management noted the data will determine if recent PMI resilience holds and whether the Fed softens its hawkish stance. Fed speakers including Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee and Governor Christopher Waller may provide further insight.

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain a focal point after mixed signals on ceasefire talks, with President Donald Trump reportedly open to sanctions relief for Iran in exchange for nuclear progress. Iranian officials remain skeptical of a deal before the November midterm elections, contributing to a recent selloff in US Treasuries. The 10-year yield hovers near 5.26%, with September historically weak for bonds and limited optimism for October. Laura Cooper of Nuveen emphasized that core PCE and payroll data will be critical, though benign prints may not shift the hawkish narrative.

Single-stock movers included Car Max Inc., which rose after beating Q2 earnings estimates, and Summit Therapeutics Inc., which surged following Astra Zeneca Plc’s $2 billion investment in its oncology pipeline. Fair Isaac Corp. declined after Bill Pulte announced Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will adopt a single pricing grid with Vantage Score joining the FICO Classic system.