Investors will be parsing Fed-speak next week for signs of more stimulus with the release of the minutes from the Federal Reserve's July meeting. Housing data is also due in an otherwise slow week for economic reports.

Also due are earnings reports from technology bellwethers Dell (NASDAQ:DELL) and Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ), which should provide insight into whether two of the world's largest computer makers are handling changes to the sector that have markedly changed how consumers obtain information. 

Other big companies release earnings next week include home improvement retailer Lowe's (NYSE:LOW) and electronics seller Best Buy (NYSE:BBY).

Minutes from the Federal Open Markets Committee, which sets most Fed policy, are due Tuesday and everyone will be looking for hints that the Fed is planning more stimulus to jolt the slumbering U.S. economy.

The Fed disappointed markets last month by not announcing another round of quantitative easing, in which the Fed buys U.S. government securities to provide liquidity to financial markets and promote economic growth.