Inflation Data; Fed Speakers; Earnings from Micron, Costco

The Fed is back to cutting rates. What’ll it do next? We’ll learn more this week.

After last week’s decision by the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates for the first time this year, market watchers will be eager for clues about whether more cuts are in store in the coming months. Several data points due this week should offer insight. Stocks ended last week on the rise, with all three major U.S. indexes finishing at record highs.

The Fed’s preferred inflation measure comes as policymakers watch for evidence that tariffs are working their way into consumer prices. A string of Fed officials will deliver remarks over the course of the week investors will parse for hints about the possibility of further cuts at this year’s two remaining meetings.

The final revision to second-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) will also be in focus, as will data on home sales, jobless claims, and consumer sentiment. Traders will be watching for earnings from chipmaker Micron, retailer Costco, and used car seller CarMax.

Read to the bottom for our calendar of key events—and one more thing. 

Inflation Data Follows Fed Move on Interest Rates

The Personal Consumption Expenditures index for August is set to be released on Friday. PCE inflation held relatively steady in July after accelerating in June. Friday’s report will be the first reading on prices since Fed Chair Jerome Powell warned that elevated inflation and a weakening labor market give policymakers “no risk-free path” forward.

The Fed has projected that it’s likely to cut interest rates at upcoming meetings, but Powell said officials will be closely watching economic readings before making further moves. Several Fed officials are on the speaking calendar this week, including Powell and the Fed’s newest member, Stephen Miran.

Economists on Thursday will get the final revision to second-quarter GDP, which was revised higher in August. Data for both new and pending home sales in August comes amid a decline in mortgage rates in recent weeks. Data on consumer sentiment, jobless claims, and durable-goods orders are also on tap.

Micron Earnings Come as AI Demand Remains Strong

On the corporate calendar, Micron Technology is scheduled to report results on Tuesday. The chipmaker in June reported record quarterly revenue amid booming demand for its memory chips from data center clients. Analysts are generally bullish on Micron stock, which hit a record high last week.

Costco is set to report its quarterly results on Thursday. In May, the bulk retailer reported sales rose by 8% amid continued growth in same-store sales. Recent retail sales data suggested that consumers are still spending. CarMax’s earnings on the same day will provide insight into the state of the used-car market.

Auto parts seller AutoZone, business services provider Cintas, and advisory firm Accenture will also report this week. 

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This Week’s Calendar

Monday, Sept. 22

• Fed speakers: Fed Governor Stephen Miran, New York Fed President John Williams, Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack, Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin, St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem

Tuesday, Sept. 23

• S&P flash U.S. Purchasing Managers Index (September)
• Fed speakers: Fed Chair Jerome Powell, Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman, Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic
• Key Earnings: Micron (MU), AutoZone (AZO)

Wednesday, Sept. 24

• New home sales (August)
• Fed speakers: San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly
• Key Earnings: Cintas (CTAS), Thor Industries (THO), KB Home (KBH)

Thursday, Sept. 25

• Gross domestic product, second revision (Q2)
• More Data to Watch: Existing home sales (August), Initial jobless claims (week ending Sept. 20), Advanced U.S. trade balance (August), Advanced retail inventories (August), Advanced wholesale inventories (August), Durable-goods orders (August)
• Fed Speakers: Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman, Fed Governor Michael Barr, New York Fed President John Williams, San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly, Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee
• Key Earnings: Costco Wholesale (COST), Accenture (ACN), Jabil (JBL), TD Synnex (SNX), CarMax (KMX)

Friday, Sept. 26

• Personal Consumption Expenditures price index (August)
• More Data to Watch: Consumer sentiment (September)
• Federal Reserve speakers: Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman, Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin

One More Thing

The Federal Reserve has come through with its much-anticipated interest rate cut. But what are the implications for your savings account? Investopedia’s Sabrina Karl explains what the rate cut means for savers here.