Fed minutes and jobs data to test Wall Street's nerves as rate-hike fears refuse to die

From the Newshound archive · first published 3 October 2026.

Investors face a packed week of economic updates that will shape expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate policy. The Fed's minutes from its last meeting are due Wednesday, offering clues on how policymakers weigh inflation against the job market. Weekly unemployment claims follow Thursday, with Friday bringing the University of Michigan's October consumer sentiment survey. Markets are watching closely after the September survey showed households remain concerned about elevated fuel costs and persistent inflation.