The Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (Core PCE) index, which excludes volatile food and energy prices and is therefore the U.S. Federal Reserve's preferred inflation indicator, was <a href="https://www.bea.gov/news/2025/personal-income-and-outlays-august-2025">unchanged</a> in August in annualized terms compared to July. That matched the expectations of economists<a href="https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-sp-500-nasdaq-09-26-2025/card/the-fed-s-preferred-inflation-gauge-pce-is-due-today-here-s-what-to-know--JGtV4waP2PnNYKrrZU2L#:~:text=On%20a%20core%20basis%2C%20which%20excludes%20volatile%20food%20and%20energy%20prices%2C%20the%20rise%20is%20expected%20to%20be%202.9%25%2C%20the%20same%20rate%20as%20in%20July."> surveyed by</a> The Wall Street Journal. Core PCE has increased 2.9% over the past 12 months.

The Fed's favorite measure of inflation was unchanged in August. What to expect from the Fed?

The U.S. economy grew at an annualized rate of 3.8% in the second quarter, up from the previous estimate of 3.3%, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)<a href="https://www.bea.gov/?utm_source=chatgpt.com"> reported</a>. The revised pace was the fastest since the third quarter of 2023, Reuters<a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/us-second-quarter-gdp-growth-revised-sharply-higher-2025-09-25/"> calculated</a>. Analysts surveyed by the agency had expected no change. According to the Ministry of Trade, the main drivers for GDP were a reduction in the trade deficit amid a fall in imports and growth in consumer spending and business investment.

The U.S. economy grew at its fastest pace in nearly two years. How is Wall Street reacting?

The main U.S. index has gained nearly 13% since the start of 2025, and was losing about 0.4% in trading on Sept. 24

An analyst saw "irrational optimism" in Powell's words. What will happen to the S&amp;P 500?

Labor market and inflation forecasts pose risks to the U.S. Federal Reserve, which has found itself in a "difficult situation" in its monetary policy, the regulator's chief Jerome Powell said. His speech is <a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/speech/powell20250923a.htm">published</a> on the website of the Fed.

Powell said employment and inflation are "challenging." What will happen to the rate?

The US Federal Reserve has cut rates for the first time in 2025. What will happen to stocks?

Following the Bureau of Labor Statistics report, U.S. stock and Treasury bond futures rose and yields on two-year securities fell to 3.52%

Wholesale inflation unexpectedly went down. Markets are confident in the Fed rate cut

Meta Platforms, Inc.

Alphabet Inc.

NVIDIA Corporation

The Estee Lauder Companies Inc.

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell gave hope for a rate cut in September at the annual economic forum in Jackson Hole. The White House confirmed the purchase of 10% of Intel. EU has accelerated work on the digital euro due to the passage of the U.S. Stablecoin Act. Meta struck a $10 billion deal with Google. Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and European leaders in Washington. About the main events from August 18 to 22 - in our review.

Highlights of the week: Powell speech, Meta and Google deal, EU accelerates with digital euro

US Fed Chairman Jerome Powell hinted at a possible rate cut as early as September in his speech at the Jackson Hole Economic Forum. All major US stock market indices reacted with a rapid growth.

Powell did not rule out a rate cut in September. Major US indices soared

The June U.S. inflation report showed that the Fed's Core PCE index rose 0.3%, one of the fastest rates since the beginning of the year. The PCE index added the same amount, which was also the sharpest growth in four months. Both indicators were worse than forecasts. The market, however, did not react with a fall: the main U.S. indices rose on Thursday amid strong corporate reports.&nbsp;&nbsp;

US inflation rose at its strongest pace in four months. What will happen to the rate?


This is the first of three key inflation reports that will guide the Fed's actions ahead of its September meeting

US inflation accelerated in June to 2.7%. What will happen to the rate now?

Annual inflation rate further deviates from Fed target


The Fed's "favorite indicator" of inflation came in above forecasts in May. What will happen to the rate


In recent months, the financial media has been full of news that the dollar's position as the world's main reserve currency has been shaken. "Gold is a real competitor to the dollar's reserve status," so&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-cpi-inflation-tariffs-06-11-2025/card/gold-is-the-real-rival-to-the-dollar-s-reserve-status-DjXrlZjec5JQY0apDqkh?mod=lctimeline_finance">wrote</a> The&nbsp;Wall Street Journal, for example. "In Argentina, investors are increasingly turning to gold as an alternative to the dollar," <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-11/dollar-obsessed-argentines-have-a-newfound-love-for-buying-gold">Bloomberg</a> wrote. "The dollar's crown is slipping, and fast," is the headline of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/dollars-crown-is-slipping-fast-2025-06-12/">Reuters</a> publication.

#Key rates: 12