U.S. stock futures opened on Monday night with little change as investors eagerly anticipated the release of this week's crucial inflation data. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures saw a modest increase of 23 points, or 0.06%. Meanwhile, S&P 500 futures climbed 0.05% and Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.03%. The regular session saw mixed results for major averages, as they struggled to build on the comeback rally from the previous week. The S&P 500 ended flat, with a minimal gain of only 0.23 points, while the Nasdaq Composite experienced a slight increase of 0.21%. However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average encountered a minor decline of 0.36%.

Given last week's roller-coaster ride in the stock market, driven by disappointing jobs reports and concerns surrounding the unwinding of the yen carry trade, investors are now turning their attention to a pair of upcoming inflation reports on consumer and producer prices. These data releases could potentially provide much-needed direction to an uncertain market. Last week's wild market movements were eventually followed by a substantial rebound, yet some experts argue that the market did not experience a true flush.

The producer price index, a measure of wholesale prices, is set to be released on Tuesday. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones expects a monthly gain of 0.2% for July, in line with the previous month's reading. Following that, the consumer price index, scheduled for release on Wednesday, is anticipated to show a 0.2% increase for the previous month, compared to a 0.1% decline in the prior month.

While the inflation reports are eagerly awaited, retail sales data later this week could also garner significant attention. The latest jobs report has revived concerns about slowing growth, putting the consumer under scrutiny. Analysts see the retail sales figures as an essential indicator of the health of the labor market. A decline in retail sales could potentially suggest weaker conditions than what the headline data currently suggests.

Ed Hyman, the chair and head of research at Evercore ISI, believes that economic growth is trending towards a recession, albeit not there yet. Hyman points to the firm's proprietary company survey, which shows a fall in volume and prices, nearing traditional recession readings. However, he also acknowledges that state sales tax receipts suggest both slowing growth and cooling inflation.

Cameron Dawson, investment chief at NewEdge Wealth, states that retail sales data may hold even greater importance than the inflation reports this week. Given the revived concerns surrounding slowing growth, Dawson emphasizes the risk of downside to growth outweighing the risk of inflation upside. A decline in retail sales could potentially shed light on a weaker labor market than what is currently indicated by headline data.

Despite these perspectives, any unexpected inflation prints in either consumer or producer prices could still lead to a surge of volatility, especially in the bond market. Sarah Min, a financial expert, emphasizes that a high inflation reading could trigger market disruptions, causing significant fluctuations across various sectors.

In summary, U.S. stock futures remained stable on Monday night as investors awaited the release of key inflation data. The upcoming reports on consumer and producer prices will provide valuable insights into the direction of the market. While the inflation reports are highly anticipated, the retail sales figures later this week are also anticipated to impact market sentiment. Investors continue to closely monitor economic indicators in order to navigate the current uncertain landscape.