Stocks higher, inflation data on deck, Salesforce, Broadcom, Microsoft

^{Five things you need to know before the market opens on Thursday August 31:}

1. -- Stocks higher with inflation data in focus as markets close August books

Investors will look to close out the month of August, the worst of the year so far, on a high note with PCE inflation and jobs data on deck ahead of tomorrow's non-farm payroll report.

2. -- Inflation in focus with Fed's preferred gauge to test rate bet optimism

With bets on an end-of-year Fed rate hike fading, Thursday's reading of the July PCE price index could prove crucial for near-term market forecasts.

3. -- Salesforce surges on Q2 earnings beat, AI impact to sales, margin outlook

CEO Marc Benioff says Salesforce has "pioneered AI" and sees its driving long-term sales and profit gains for the world's biggest client software group.

4. -- Broadcom earnings on deck as network chipmaker eyes further AI gains

Broadcom, which currently generates around 15% of its revenues from AI chips, is looking to expand its reach in that market alongside its $69 billion move into enterprise via its VMWare takeover.

5. -- Microsoft to unbundle Teams from Office to appease EU competition concern

Following a complaint from Salesforce and an early EU probe, Microsoft said Thursday it will unbundle its Teams app from its Office 365 suite.