Morning Business Report: Fed meeting, rate cut expectations and new hiring trends highlight a busy week for the U.S. economy

Investors are bracing for a major week on Wall Street, with several key economic reports on the way and a pivotal Federal Reserve meeting

(LILAMAX)- Investors are bracing for a major week on Wall Street, with several key economic reports on the way and a pivotal Federal Reserve meeting scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. Expectations for an interest rate cut have risen sharply, with Fed funds futures now pricing in an 88% chance of easing.

The labor market will also be closely watched after last week’s mixed data releases.

In hiring trends, managers say software proficiency will be the most important hard skill in 2026, followed by data analysis and cybersecurity awareness. Other in-demand skills include project management, quality assurance, automation, product management, technical writing, data visualization and AI tools. On the soft skills side, communication and professionalism continue to top the list.

Stocks closed last week on a strong note. The S&P 500 and NASDAQ each posted four-day winning streaks Friday, while the Dow finished higher in three of the last four sessions. Inflation data out Friday also came in softer than expected.

When it comes to holiday wish lists, Americans say they want something simple this year: cash. A nationwide survey of 5,000 people found that 58% prefer money as a gift, hoping for just over $600 on average. Wearables and accessories ranked second, with casual clothing and shoes representing the most popular items.

Meanwhile, a shortage of massive lawn ornaments at Home Depot sparked buyer panic, big resale markups and a search for answers. The Wall Street Journal reports some items seen in leaked Las Vegas images aren’t always sold in the U.S., and tariffs have limited availability of oversized ornaments made in China.