The U.S. Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CFNAI) decreased to -0.04 in August 2026, down from an upwardly revised +0.08 in July. This morning's fresh data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago indicates that national economic growth slowed down slightly toward the end of the summer, matching consensus expectations. 

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) voted 7-2 to raise its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 1.25%, marking its highest borrowing costs since 1995. 

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.