Manufacturing and Services PMI data arrive Friday at 9:45 am, signaling growth trends. Next Wednesday at 8:30 am, the Fed's preferred Core PCE inflation metric and GDP data release, critical for September rate cut sizing. The Jackson Hole Symposium begins next Thursday, where Powell’s commentary often triggers major shifts. Today, Thursday, jobless claims and Fed speeches at 8:30 am and 11:10 am provide labor market context amid cooling inflation hopes and recent market volatility.
Prioritize defensive positioning before Wednesday's PCE print, as any upside surprise could hawkishly pivot Fed expectations. Watch for volatility spikes during Thursday's Jackson Hole kickoff; traders should monitor 10-year yields for direction.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.