Fed minutes, retail earnings, data to drive markets

This week, people who buy and sell stocks are watching several important things.

The Federal Reserve, which is the group that helps control money in the United States, will share notes from its last meeting.

These notes might tell us if they will raise interest rates in September.

Interest rates are like the price of borrowing money.

Right now, most people think there is only a small chance rates will go up next month.

Big stores like Walmart, Target and Home Depot will also tell us how much they sold.

That helps us know if people are spending money.

Several reports about factories, building homes and jobs will come out too.

Last week, stock prices went down a little from their highest point ever.

That happened because stores sold less than expected and oil got more expensive.

Everyone is watching to see what happens next.