Economic & Market Watch

In the News

Economy

• U.S. consumer sentiment declined to 53.6 in October, down from 55.1 in September, as high prices weighed on households’ outlook, according to the latest University of Michigan Consumer Survey.
• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the names of five finalists to succeed Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. The finalists include current Fed Board Members Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman, former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett and BlackRock executive Rick Rieder.

Markets

• West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures rose above $61/barrel Monday morning, edging higher after the U.S. and China reached a preliminary trade consensus, easing tariff risks, while recent sanctions on Russian energy firms buoyed sentiment.
• U.S. equity futures pointed higher to start the week on trade-deal optimism and a heavy earnings slate.

Current Events

• The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission signaled it will move promptly on a plan to speed grid connections—an issue drawing heightened attention as reliability concerns increase.
• U.S. and Chinese negotiators touted constructive trade talks, paving the way for a discussion between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in a meeting this Thursday.

Meet the Team

CFC's economic research team—John Suter, Sam Kem and Antony Davies—share their expert, yet easily digestible, perspective on what you need to know.

Have feedback about the podcast? A topic you'd like the EMW team to cover? Get in touch at economicresearch@nrucfc.coop.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Trading Economics