Business · Markets · 7 hrs ago
Fed decision, economic data and tech earnings set to shape US markets
US markets face a busy week as investors await the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision on Wednesday.
The Fed raised rates in September to address persistent inflation, but investors broadly expect it to hold rates steady this week.
GDP and inflation figures will help show how the US economy is performing, with an initial third-quarter growth estimate due Thursday.
A separate forecast puts growth at 1.7%, slower than the second quarter, though that figure is not yet an official result.
Alphabet, Microsoft and Amazon report quarterly earnings, with investors focused on their AI spending, cloud growth and data-centre investments.
Rising oil prices are adding pressure, while high prices and weakening consumer confidence complicate the outlook for households and markets.
The Fed’s decision, company results and economic releases may shape expectations for future rate moves; the sources do not give the actual results yet.
US markets face a busy week shaped by a Federal Reserve rate decision, economic data and earnings from major technology companies.
The Fed is due to announce its decision on Wednesday after a two-day meeting, following a rate increase in September.
Investors will watch a first estimate of third-quarter GDP and inflation figures, although the articles differ on whether the PCE data due Thursday cover September or October core inflation.
Alphabet and Microsoft are scheduled to report on Wednesday, followed by Amazon on Thursday, with investors focused on AI spending and cloud growth.
Oil prices and inflation are weighing on markets, and US stocks ended lower on Friday.
- Who
- US investors, the Federal Reserve and major companies including Alphabet, Microsoft and Amazon.
- What
- Markets are preparing for a Fed rate decision, economic data releases and quarterly earnings.
- When
- The week ahead of the articles’ publication on October 25, 2026; the Fed decision is scheduled for Wednesday.
- Where
- The United States.
- Why
- The decision and data may shape expectations for interest rates and economic growth, while earnings will test optimism about technology investment.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
US stocks ended lower as Brent crude rose above $116 a barrel.
The Conference Board is due to release its October consumer confidence survey.
The Fed is due to announce its rate decision, and Alphabet and Microsoft are scheduled to report earnings.
The first estimate of third-quarter GDP and a PCE inflation report are due, while Amazon is scheduled to report earnings.
- Fed meeting
- Two days, ending Wednesday
- September Fed move
- Interest rates were raised for the first time since 2023
- Third-quarter GDP
- Initial estimate due Thursday
- Technology earnings
- Alphabet and Microsoft on Wednesday; Amazon on Thursday
- Brent crude
- Rose 3.1% to above $116 a barrel on Friday
- S&P 500
- Fell 39.75 points, or 0.5%, to 7,623.68 on Friday