Jobs Report, Inflation Data To Test US Rate Path And Economic Strength

The upcoming U.S. jobs report and inflation data will give investors fresh insight into the economy and the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate path. The September payrolls report is expected to show 100,000 new jobs and a 4.2% unemployment rate, while the PCE inflation report will provide another measure of price pressures. Stronger-than-expected employment or persistent inflation could reinforce expectations for additional Fed rate hikes, while softer data could ease those expectations.