Delayed CPI Report and Fed Meeting Loom as Big Tech and Automakers Post Results

The September Consumer Price Index (CPI), delayed by nine days, is set for release on Friday. This follows a government shutdown that halted economic data releases since October 1. The report is critical for the Social Security Administration to process benefit payments on time.

The CPI data will arrive just before the Federal Reserve’s October 28–29 policy meeting. Traders anticipate a quarter-point rate cut, marking the second reduction in two months. Weak job data previously pushed the Fed to lower rates in September.

Over 80 S&P 500 companies will report Q3 earnings this week, extending a busy season. JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs kicked off with strong figures last week, with 84% of companies so far beating estimates.

General Motors, Netflix, and Tesla are among the highlights of mid-week earnings. GM reports Tuesday morning, with analysts expecting a more than 20% year-over-year profit decline. Deutsche Bank’s Edison Yu notes GM could still outperform despite tariff impacts and volume declines.