Investors eye key inflation data as rents cool and markets rise
The first major economic report since the government shutdown will be released today
(LILAMAX)- The first major economic report since the government shutdown will be released today: the Consumer Price Index, or CPI, a key measure of inflation.
The federal government recalled workers specifically to compile the data, though some economists are already questioning how accurate and “clean” the number will be after weeks of agency disruptions.
Meanwhile, housing costs continue to ease. Rents for single-family homes rose just 1.4% in August, the slowest pace in 15 years, according to Cotality. Apartment rents fell 0.8% year-over-year in September, per Apartment List. Analysts are divided on what’s driving the slowdown — with some citing a surge in new apartment construction and others pointing to reduced demand tied to the immigration crackdown.
On Wall Street, stocks finished higher Thursday, led by gains in energy shares after the U.S. imposed new tariffs on Russian oil.
Overseas, tensions rose as President Trump abruptly ended trade talks with Canada after the Ontario government funded an anti-tariff ad campaign featuring the voice of Ronald Reagan.
In real estate, homebuyers jumped back into the market in September as mortgage rates dipped, pushing sales to their highest level since February. Homes priced at $1 million or more saw the fastest turnaround, reversing months of sluggish activity driven by high prices and interest rates.
And in corporate innovation, Nike is experimenting with motorized sneakers designed to assist casual athletes and people with limited mobility. The company is also exploring brain-stimulating footwear that uses pressure points to enhance focus, and temperature-regulating jerseys to improve performance.
