This week brings several important business developments and economic indicators that will capture the attention of analysts and investors alike.

**Consumer Sentiment Assessment**
On Tuesday, The Conference Board will release its consumer confidence index for October. In September, consumer confidence among Americans dipped due to growing unease about job security. Economists are predicting that the index will remain relatively stable this month. A reading of 90 or higher is considered indicative of a healthy economy. This index is crucial since it measures consumer sentiment, which constitutes about 70% of the economic landscape in the U.S.

Historically, consumer confidence for the months leading up to October reads as follows:

May: 101.3

June: 97.8

July: 101.9

August: 105.6

September: 98.7

October (estimate): 98.9

Data Source: FactSet

**Monitoring Inflation Trends**
On Thursday, the government will unveil a consumer spending report that includes significant inflation metrics. Experts anticipate that this report will confirm a further reduction in inflation rates for September. Predictions suggest that the inflation figure has dropped to around 2%, aligning with the Federal Reserve’s target rate. In recent months, the central bank has raised interest rates to their highest levels in twenty years as part of its strategy to control inflation, but it has now begun to lower rates.

PCE Deflator, annual percent change, seasonally adjusted:

April: 2.7

May: 2.6

June: 2.4

July: 2.5

August: 2.2

September (estimate): 2.0

Data Source: FactSet

**Employment Landscape Update**
On Friday, the Labor Department will publish its detailed jobs report for October. Economists predict that job growth will be notably slower in this month compared to September, when the job additions exceeded expectations significantly, alleviating some fears about a declining job market. The Federal Reserve’s recent interest rate cuts aim to reduce borrowing costs, which is intended to support both consumer spending and the job market.

Nonfarm payrolls, monthly change, seasonally adjusted:

May: 216,000

June: 118,000

July: 144,000

August: 159,000

September: 254,000

October (estimate): 125,000

Data Source: FactSet