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Stocks struggled on Monday after Moody’s Investors Service slashed its U.S. credit rating outlook to "negative" from "stable." While the Dow managed a modest gain, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both settled below fair value, as utility stocks continued to falter. With the bulk of earnings season now in the rearview mirror, traders are turning their attention to the big batch of inflation data that is due out later this week.

Analyst, OPEC Notes Boost Oil Prices

Oil prices marked a third-straight win today, after Goldman Sachs expressed optimism over demand, and highlighted lower supplies and inventories. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) also dismissed demand concerns. December-dated West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose $1.09, or 1.4%, to close at $78.26 a barrel.

Gold prices were higher as well, as the U.S. dollar weakened before the incoming slew of inflation data. December-dated gold rose $12.50, or 0.7%, to close at $1,950.20 an ounce for the day, and 3.1% on the week.

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