Stocks stall, Fed minutes in focus, housing data, Intel, Cisco Systems

^{Five things you need to know before the market opens on Wednesday August 16:}

1. -- Stocks stall as markets eye Fed minutes amid August sell-off

Stocks are struggling to find upside momentum in August, with rising Treasury bond yields and a sputtering China recovery holding back risk sentiment.

2. -- Fed minutes to shed light on dovish Powell signaling as rate bets fade

Fed Chair Jerome Powell's dovish rate signaling clashed with the FOMC's forecast for more near-term rate hikes last month. Minutes of the July policy meeting may clarify that.

3. -- Housing data in focus as borrowing costs surges, builder sentiment fades

Surging mortgage rates finally clipping homebuilders' sentiment, but buyers are becoming more comfortable with the higher rate reality.

4. -- Intel bumps higher after scrapping $5.4 billion Tower Semiconductor deal

Intel, which has been expanding foundry and production investments for the past few months, has formally scrapped plans to buy Tower Semiconductor.

5. -- Cisco earnings on deck with supply chains, AI investment in focus

 Cisco Systems will look to leverage investment in AI technologies as it overcomes supply chain snarls heading into the start of its 2024 financial year.