Breaking Data

Latest stock market data plus index, currencies, and commodities performance

Gold hits record as US shutdown fears weigh on Dollar and data outlook

Gold surged to a fresh record above $3,865/oz while Treasuries held gains, as mounting odds of a US government shutdown threatened to delay high-impact economic releases that guide Federal Reserve policy.

A government shutdown could deepen America’s economic data problem

With federal funding set to lapse after Sept. 30, the U.S. faces more than closed parks and furloughed workers: it risks a data vacuum just as investors and policymakers need clarity most. During a shutdown, many staff at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)—the agency behind the jobs and inflation reports—are classified as non-essential, threatening delays to the Oct. 3 employment release and the Oct. 15 CPI report.

Why today’s inflation report matters after this week’s strong data

Friday’s Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) report lands into a market recalibrating to stronger-than-expected growth, firmer labor signals, and sticky prices. Consensus looks for headline PCE inflation to edge up to 2.7% year over year in August (from 2.6%), with core PCE—the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge—holding at 2.9%. The print could decide whether the Fed follows September’s “risk-management” cut with another move in October or pauses to reassess.

Euro-Zone private sector expands at fastest pace in over a year

The euro area economy gained momentum in September, with business activity growing at its quickest pace in 16 months. Strong services performance in Germany offset weakness in France, while inflation stability gives the ECB room to hold policy steady — though questions remain over the durability of growth.

BOJ holds rates but signals policy shift with ETF sales and hawkish dissent

The Bank of Japan left its benchmark rate at 0.5% in September, but dissent from two hawkish board members and the surprise decision to begin preparing ETF and J-REIT sales highlight growing pressure to tighten policy.

Fed delivers first rate cut since December, but divisions run deep

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points at its September meeting, bringing the target range down to 4.0%–4.25%. While the move was widely expected, the accompanying forecasts revealed a divided committee.

UK inflation holds at 3.8% in August, keeping BOE cautious on rate cuts

UK consumer prices rose 3.8% year-on-year in August, matching July’s pace and marking the highest inflation since early 2024. Sticky services costs and rising food prices are complicating the Bank of England’s path, with policymakers expected to hold rates at 4% and signal a longer pause in monetary easing.

Court blocks bid to oust Fed Governor Lisa Cook on eve of rate decision

An appeals court has temporarily blocked the White House from removing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook just hours before the Sept. 16–17 FOMC meeting, clearing the way for her to keep working while her lawsuit proceeds. The ruling lands as Stephen Miran is set to join the Board and markets expect the Fed to begin cutting rates.

Fed in September: What to expect

With hiring stalling and inflation still above target, the Federal Reserve heads into its Sept. 16–17 meeting under extraordinary scrutiny. A first rate cut since last December looks likely—yet political drama, legal uncertainty around a Fed governor, and mixed data could make this one of the most consequential policy calls in years.

Today CPI report could shape Fed’s next move and your wallet

The August Consumer Price Index, due Thursday, is one of the year’s most pivotal inflation updates. With prices expected to climb 2.9% year-over-year, inflation remains stubbornly above target even as unemployment ticks higher. The report will heavily influence how quickly borrowing costs come down—and how much relief households can expect.