The Federal Reserve is expected to keep benchmark interest rates unchanged this month, citing inflation concerns and a desire to avoid influencing the upcoming midterm elections.
Posts tagged as “inflation”
Economists and Wall Street analysts predict the Federal Reserve will keep its benchmark rate unchanged at 3.75%‑4% as September inflation data shows mixed pressures.
Halloween candy sales fell 6.7% in the week ending Oct. 17, driven by higher gasoline costs and soaring chocolate prices, while small‑bag sales showed the only growth.
The 10‑year Treasury yield climbed to 5.19% in October 2026, marking the steepest bond market decline since Alexander Hamilton’s Treasury was created, and pressuring retirees, borrowers and the federal budget.
Social Security benefits are set to rise 3.6% in 2027, but higher Medicare Part B premiums could eat into that increase for many retirees.
Tech shares fell over $1 trillion on Friday while Brent crude surged past $110 per barrel, reviving concerns over debt, inflation and higher interest rates.
The Labor Department reported a 1.3% rise in the September Producer Price Index, the strongest monthly gain since March 2022, as energy costs surge and core inflation pressures mount.
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh said the central bank will not give forward guidance on upcoming hikes, noting a worldwide wave of tighter policy and warning that there are “no free riders.”
The IMF raised its 2026 UK growth forecast to 1.3% but cautions that higher energy costs and interest rates will curb expansion in 2027.
President Trump’s campaign to reduce gasoline costs ahead of the midterms meets stubbornly high fuel prices, refinery bottlenecks and escalating Middle‑East tensions.