Storyline: U.S. stocks ended lower last week as inflation jitters resurfaced and investors locked in gains ahead of a historically turbulent September, while oil crept higher and gold posted its best monthly rally since April. Fresh data released Friday showed consumer prices in July continued to climb, underscoring that inflation risks remain in focus for markets. The three major U.S. stock indexes all closed lower for the week. In energy markets, crude futures gained modestly as investors tracked developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and digested data showing a sharper-than-expected drawdown in U.S. crude inventories, signaling tighter supply. U.S. crude rose about 0.55 percent for the week, while Brent crude was up roughly 0.58 percent. Gold futures surged as investors sought safe-haven assets amid concerns over potential challenges to the Federal Reserve's independence. The metal gained 2.86 percent last week, with a monthly rise of more than 5 percent in August - its best showing since April. Shotlist: FILE: New York City, USA - Oct 2024: 1. Various of New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) building, U.S. national flags 2. Screen showing stock quotes 3. Flags of NYSE FILE: New York City, USA - Nov 2022: 4. Various of NYSE trading floor; staff members, screens showing stock information FILE: Pleasanton, Texas, USA - 2016: 5. Various of land drilling rigs in operation FILE: Huntington Beach, California, USA - Oct 20, 2021: 6. Various of offshore oil rig FILE: Location and Date Unknown: 7. Various of gold bars being sorted, on table 8. Various of gold bars being sorted FILE: Los Angeles, California, USA - April 7, 2025: 9. Various of residents walking with shopping carts at supermarket parking lot, loading groceries onto cars FILE: Los Angeles, USA - 2025: 10. Various of containers, vessel at port FILE: New York City, USA - Oct 2024: 11. Various of port scene, Statue of Liberty. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]