Markets Await Key Inflation Data and Bank Earnings as Investors Monitor Recession Risk

Investors are looking to economic reports and earnings from major banks for indications on interest rate hikes and the strength of the economy.
The S&P 500 ended little changed while the Nasdaq fell as tech stocks declined.
Energy stocks rose but fears of a slowdown weighed on the overall market.
Major US banks including JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup will report earnings Friday, which could provide insight into the state of the economy.
The Federal Reserve's next meeting is in May, and policymakers are monitoring data to determine the pace of rate increases.