04:03 PM EDT, 10/08/2024 (MT Newswires) -- US benchmark equity indexes ended higher Tuesday as markets awaited official inflation data for September due later in the week.

* Small business optimism in the US improved less than expected last month as inflation continued to pose concerns among business owners, the National Federation of Independent Business' latest survey showed.

* "Uncertainty makes owners hesitant to invest in capital spending and inventory, especially as inflation and financing costs continue to put pressure on their bottom lines," NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said.

* The US trade deficit narrowed in August as exports grew, while imports dipped, government data showed.

* "The resolution of the dockworkers strike earlier this month ensures supply chain disruptions would be minimal and removes a key risk to trade outlook," Oxford Economics said.

* November West Texas Intermediate crude oil closed down $3.57 to settle at $73.57 per barrel, while December Brent crude, the global benchmark, was last seen down $3.30 to $77.64, falling for the first time in six sessions as China avoiding new stimulus measures to revive a flagging economy rose above worries over a spreading Middle Eastern crisis.

* Palo Alto Networks ( PANW ) shares were up 5% as Goldman Sachs increased its price target on the stock to $425 from $376 and maintained its buy rating.

* PepsiCo ( PEP ) revised its full-year organic revenue growth outlook as the beverage and snacks company's Q3 earnings beat Wall Street estimates, while sales fell short of expectations. The company's shares were up 2%.