The American consumer is souring: What to watch this week

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   US Markets Look to Fed Minutes and Consumer Sentiment Amid Cooling Growth

   Attention turns to a quieter U.S. market week featuring a slow drip of economic data and select corporate earnings following a softer-than-expected jobs report. Investors are focusing on upcoming Federal Reserve minutes from the September meeting, due Wednesday, alongside government bond yields and services-sector activity updates. Meanwhile, consumer sentiment figures show a stark drop, reflecting ongoing pressure on everyday Americans as inflation and high prices impact consumer behavior.

   Why it matters

   Market expectations for the October Federal Reserve meeting were recently reset following the latest jobs report, while near-term rate-hike prospects dim. Minutes from both the Fed and the European Central Bank are expected to reveal underlying inflation fears as rate-hike bets fade. Government bond yields and economic data remain focal points for investors assessing the broader health of the economy.

   What is confirmed

   • Minutes from the Federal Reserve's September meeting are scheduled for release on Wednesday.
   • U.S. services-sector data will provide an updated reading on economic activity.
   • Government bond yields, Federal Reserve policy, and U.S. economic data are primary issues facing investors this week.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Consumer sentiment in October dropped to the second lowest reading on record since the 1950s, with 70% of Americans reporting plans to cut back or stop buying things.

   What to watch next

   • Release of the Federal Reserve September meeting minutes on Wednesday
   • Upcoming U.S. services-sector economic data updates
   • Notable corporate earnings providing further indications on consumer spending
   Sources used for this update (18)

   1. Yahoo Finance — The American consumer is souring: What to watch this week
   2. WSJ — Week Ahead for FX, Bonds: Fed Minutes in Focus as Near-Term Rate-Hike Prospects Dim
   3. Yardeni QuickTakes — ECONOMIC WEEK AHEAD: October 5-9
   4. Barchart.com — FOMC Minutes, Interest Rates and Other Key Things to Watch this Week
   5. Bloomberg.com — Fed, ECB Minutes to Show Inflation Fears as Hike Bets Fade
   6. AP News — Wall Street week ahead: Fed minutes, unemployment data, consumer sentiment update
   7. finance.yahoo.com — The American consumer is souring: What to watch this week
   8. Fundstrat Direct — Video: Macro Minute: Market remains a 'coiled spring' and Wed FOMC minutes to reveal how Fed flipped to 12 of 12 supporting hikes
   9. www.hindustantimes.com — The Mighty American Consumer Is Crashing Through Inflation and Driving Growth | World News
   10. www.gulf-times.com — tag - Gulf Times
   11. www.cityandstateny.com — Mike Lawler might be the only Republican who could win NY-17. Can he do it again? - City & State New York
   12. www.meltwater.com — Smart Glasses: What Social and Media Intelligence Reveals About Public Sentiment
   confidence 85%