Author: Lori Blank

The release of key Unemployment Data was delayed last week due to administrative changes in how jobless figures are tracked. The Consumer Confidence report reflects these policy adjustments, showing growing concerns about the job market and a larger-than-expected decline in confidence for September. Lastly, with tariff disruptions continuing to affect the manufacturing sector, the Global US Manufacturing data has revealed that production has slowed overall since the initial disruptions. Manufacturing PMIThe latest survey showed a weaker gain in production, whilst new order book growth softened as tariffs continued to weigh on exports. Tariffs and broader policy uncertainty also dampened firms’…

The PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures) Index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure, has been on the rise but remains within expectations. Although there was heavy speculation that this year’s inflation would spike due to impactful tariff policies, it has largely stayed within forecasts—enough for the Federal Reserve to introduce a 25 basis point rate cut. The PCE Index data has shown this trend to continue. This is followed up closely by the Consumer Sentiment report which has been unstable due to significant inflation concerns, but has finally tempered itself after three straight months of consumer sentiment falling to yearly lows. Finally,…

It has been a relatively light week following the recent rate changes, as the Federal Reserve has felt the need to drop the current rate by 25 basis points. They have also mentioned the possibility of two additional rate cuts within this year. This follows the recent sharp criticism from the current administration, which condemned the Federal Reserve’s insistence on maintaining existing interest rates. This development coincides with the Leading Economic Indicators, which have shown that the U.S. economy remains in decline, a trend that began in August. With further rate cuts on the horizon, the broader market reaction has…