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U.S. Economics: Fed, Markets and Policy

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The Boston Report’s U.S. economics hub follows the Federal Reserve, financial markets and economic policy in Washington, and what they mean for Boston and Massachusetts. Below are the key indicators with their dates and sources, our latest economics coverage, topic sections and answers to common questions. All figures are as of Oct. 14, 2026 unless noted.

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Key U.S. economic indicators

Fed funds target range3.75%–4.00%Set Sept. 16, 2026 (12–0 vote). Next FOMC: Oct. 27–28. Source: Federal Reserve
CPI inflation, 12 months3.7%September 2026; core 2.6%. Released Oct. 14, 2026. Source: BLS
U.S. unemployment rate4.2%September 2026; +29,000 jobs. Released Oct. 2, 2026. Source: BLS
10-year Treasury yield~5.19%Late trading Oct. 14, 2026; intraday high near 5.33%. Source: CNBC
S&P 5007,718.94Close Oct. 14, 2026: −1.11% on the day, about +12.8% in 2026. Source: Reuters

Other markers: core PCE inflation 3.0% (August, released Sept. 30, BEA); Brent crude $106.06 and gold $4,107.90 (settlements Oct. 14); fiscal 2026 deficit about $2.0 trillion (CBO, Oct. 8). Market odds of an October Fed hike ranged from about 35% to 54% on Oct. 14, according to CME FedWatch readings reported by CNBC and The Wall Street Journal.

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Economics sections

The Fed and interest rates

Rate decisions, the dot plot, Chair Kevin Warsh’s statements and inflation data.

Fed rate outlook after September CPI →

Markets

Stocks, Treasury yields, oil, the dollar and gold, with attributed analyst views.

Stock market report, Oct. 14 →

Policy

Tariffs, the federal budget and debt, funding deadlines and jobs data.

Tariffs, budget and jobs explained →

Trump Presidency Tracker →

Boston economy

Massachusetts jobs, unemployment, layoffs and local business.

Boston Job Market tracker →

Business and Finance →

Energy and trade deals

Oil shocks, shipping insurance and fuel deals that move prices.

Chubb’s $40 billion Hormuz insurance plan →

Russia diesel deal and U.S. prices →

How we cover the economy

We report economic data from official releases and attribute forecasts and opinions to the people and institutions who make them. We do not predict Fed decisions or give investment advice. Our own analysis, when included, is labeled. See our Editorial Policy and Corrections page.

Economics FAQ

What is the current federal funds rate?

The Federal Reserve’s target range for the federal funds rate is 3.75% to 4.00%. The FOMC set it on Sept. 16, 2026, with a 12–0 vote to raise rates by a quarter point. The next meeting is Oct. 27–28, 2026.

What is the latest U.S. inflation rate?

The consumer price index rose 3.7% in the 12 months through September 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics release of Oct. 14, 2026. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, rose 2.6%.

What is the U.S. unemployment rate?

The national unemployment rate was 4.2% in September 2026, according to the BLS jobs report released Oct. 2, 2026. Employers added 29,000 jobs that month. Massachusetts was at 4.3% in August 2026.

Is the federal government shut down?

No. A continuing resolution, P.L. 119-103, funds most of the government through Dec. 11, 2026. Congress must act again by then to avoid a lapse in funding.

Where do these numbers come from?

We use official sources first: the Federal Reserve, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Congressional Budget Office and the Congressional Research Service. Market prices come from published closing reports. Each figure lists its date.

How often is this page updated?

The indicator cards are updated after major releases, such as Fed decisions, the monthly CPI and jobs reports, and notable market moves. The list of latest coverage updates automatically when we publish a new economics story.

Sources