Stocks Climb Before the Open on AI Optimism, Earnings and Fed Speak in Focus

The Fed said Wednesday in its Beige Book survey of regional business contacts that U.S. economic activity was little changed in recent weeks, while employment levels remained largely stable. Three districts reported slight to modest growth in activity, five noted no change, and four reported a mild softening in activity. The report also noted that overall consumer spending declined slightly, while prices continued to rise, with several districts observing a quicker rise in input costs. “Tariff-induced input ...