U.S. housing starts fell 2.6% in August 2026 to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,275,000, according to the latest report released this morning by the U.S. Census Bureau.

U.S. preliminary building permits dropped 2.7% month-over-month in August 2026 to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,394,000, according to data released at 8:30 AM ET today by the U.S. Census Bureau. 

U.S. initial jobless claims dropped to a lower-than-expected 196,000 for the week ending September 12, 2026, according to the latest report published this morning by the U.S. Department of Labor.

On September 16, 2026, the Federal Reserve unanimously voted 12-0 to raise its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points. This brought the federal funds rate to a new target range of 3.75% to 4%. The move marks the first-rate hike since July 2023, ending a three-year period of steady or cutting cycles. It directly defies ongoing public pressure from President Donald Trump, who has actively campaigned for lower borrowing costs. 

The Federal Reserve unanimously voted 12-0 to raise its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to a target range of 3.75%–4.00%. This decision marks the central bank's first-rate increase in more than three years, defying public demands from President Trump for lower borrowing costs.

U.S. retail sales surged by 1.2% month-on-month in August, significantly beating the consensus economist estimate of a 0.8% advance.