Overview

• Inflation rates have cooled from their peaks last year, but grocery and rent prices remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, affecting consumer confidence.
• The Federal Reserve is expected to maintain high interest rates in the near term, delaying cuts due to recent inflation and unemployment data.
• Stock markets experienced declines, with the Dow falling over 200 points and Adobe shares plunging after a weak forecast.
• Gold and bitcoin hit record highs earlier in the week, but retreated after new inflation data was released.
• The Fed's upcoming policy meeting and economic projections will be closely watched for indications of future interest rate movements.