The past week has seen markets roiled by a surge in volatility, primarily driven by two major factors: the Israel-Hamas conflict and the release of crucial inflation data. These events had investors and analysts closely monitoring their potential impact on market dynamics. In this market week wrap, we’ll discuss the inflation numbers and its repercussions on the macroeconomic landscape.
On Top of Our Mind This Week: U.S. Inflation Slows Gradually in September
In September, US inflation showed a slight slowdown, with consumer prices rising 0.4% compared to the previous month. Year-over-year inflation remained stable at 3.7%. Core prices, excluding food and energy costs, increased 4.1% year-on-year, a minor decline from 4.3% in August. While there’s a moderation, core inflation is still higher than the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.
Evaluating the Factors Behind the Inflation Trends
The main drivers of last month’s inflation were higher housing costs, particularly in areas like Los Angeles. Rental prices and the...