Market Commentary | October 19th, 2026
U.S. inflation accelerated in September, reflecting higher energy prices and persistent underlying price pressures.
U.S. inflation accelerated in September, reflecting higher energy prices and persistent underlying price pressures.
The economic data last week continued to point to a resilient U.S. economy, although the latest readings showed some moderation in service-sector activity alongside continued price pressures.
Inflation came in below expectations and Q2 U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) growth exceeded forecasts, while labor data pointed to slower hiring. Together, the releases showed continued economic expansion alongside moderating labor demand and inflation above the Federal Reserve’s target.
Business sentiment surged to multiyear highs while labor market data continued to improve. However, several hard economic indicators have yet to fully confirm the growing optimism, creating an increasingly important question for investors heading into the fourth quarter.
Economic data last week continued to show a resilient U.S. economy, although the primary focus was the Federal Reserve’s September policy meeting and the inflation outlook. Treasury yields remained elevated throughout the week, with the 10-year Treasury finishing near 5.0% and the 30-year ending around 5.34%, as investors digested the Federal Reserve’s 25-basis-point rate increase and updated economic projections.