16/10/2026
Here’s a recap from key market stories this week.
1. The Fed’s latest Beige Book pointed to softer economic momentum, cautious consumers and persistent inflation pressures. Nine districts reported growth, while three were flat, and hiring was broadly stagnant. Rising energy and input costs are squeezing margins and could feed further price increases, complicating the Fed’s decision ahead of its 27–28 October policy meeting.
2. September CPI rose 0.6% month over month and 3.7% year over year, both keeping inflation well above the Fed’s 2% goal. Core CPI also surprised higher at 0.3% monthly and 2.6% annually. Energy, especially gasoline, drove much of the increase, lifting bond yields and reinforcing expectations for further Fed tightening later this year as inflation persists.
3. Bank of America’s third-quarter profit fell 17% after a $1.2 billion regulatory penalty, while revenue missed expectations as trading underperformed. Fixed-income and equities revenue both disappointed, overshadowing stronger net interest income. Shares fell nearly 5% as investors focused on weak capital-markets performance, regulatory controls and uncertainty over future compliance costs and share repurchases.
4. Major U.S. banks delivered mixed third-quarter results, with JPMorgan posting a rare miss while Goldman Sachs beat expectations on strong equities trading. Earnings calls also highlighted AI-related financing opportunities, operational benefits and emerging risks. Investors focused on trading strength, credit conditions, consumer resilience and the broader earnings outlook.
65% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
