Downbeat Economic Reports Don't Alter Rates Trajectory -- Market Talk

1303 ET - The disappointing round of consumer confidence and jobs data doesn't change the market's broader understanding of the economy or the expectation for forthcoming rate hikes from the Federal Reserve, BMO analysts say in a research note. Consumer sentiment has been slipping for some time, partly because of higher gas prices, they say. Jobs openings slipped, but the JOLTS report overall shows stable labor market conditions, they say. The market's muted response to the data reinforces the assumption that it would take a big shift in the labor picture, like a big jump in unemployment or big undershoot of payrolls, to change the momentum behind further rate cuts, the analysts say. (dean.seal@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 29, 2026 13:03 ET (17:03 GMT)