Stocks could continue to push higher into the dog days of August, as investors await earnings from big retailers and new data on housing and the consumer. Economic reports in the week ahead include housing starts Tuesday and existing home sales Thursday. Home sales are expected to fall more than 6%, according to Dow Jones, as a result of the impact of rising mortgage rates on housing. Retail sales, slated for Wednesday, are expected to be up just slightly and well below June’s 1% gain. “I think if you do see something, whether there was a big drop-off in housing data or retail data, that could be enough to blunt this upswing or put some pressure on it,” said Keith Lerner, chief market strategist and co-CIO at Truist. “But I think what you’re seeing is — when you move past the earnings season, and it’s a long wait to the next Fed meeting — it’s more about positioning.” Lerner said…