Key Economic Events and CPI Data Release to Influence Fed’s Rate Decision
This week marks a critical period for financial markets as a series of high-impact economic events unfold ahead of the Federal Reserve's October 29 meeting. Approximately 10% of S&P 500 companies are set to report earnings, while U.S. crude oil inventories data will be released on Wednesday. Thursday brings September's existing home sales figures, followed by a triple data dump on Friday: CPI inflation, Services PMI, and Consumer Sentiment.
The CPI release carries particular weight as it lands during an ongoing U.S. government shutdown—the first Friday CPI publication since 2018. Market participants anticipate heightened volatility, with speculation mounting that the inflation report may deliver a bullish surprise capable of reshaping the Fed's rate-cut calculus.