SP 500 Barely Budges as Consumer Spending Strength Offsets Energy Slump Novartis Raises FullYear Sales and Profit Guidance Amid Strong Operational Momentum Microns Latest Breakthrough Dicks Earnings Beat and Key Political Shifts Lead Market Morning Alan Milburn Criticizes Youth Benefit Spending Outpacing Job Creation Calls for Welfare Reform American Hospital Association Urges FTC and DOJ to Exempt Hospital Mergers from Premerger Notification Requirements European Media Magnate Vincent Bollors Expanding Influence Sparks Debate on Democratic Safeguards Fed Rate Hike Odds Surge as Hot Inflation Data Reshapes Market Expectations