CPI Holds Steady; Investors Await Fed Action – Weekly Update
September 15, 2026 | By Steven DiGregorio
Stocks fell over a shortened trading week as higher oil prices rattled investors.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 0.80 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged down 0.66 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.57 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, skidded 1.39 percent.1,2
Sluggish Start
Stocks fell in response to higher oil prices at Tuesday’s opening bell as investors returned from the long Labor Day weekend. Investors kept one eye on diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and another on fresh inflation reports due out later in the week.3
Stocks were under pressure again on Wednesday as oil prices continued climbing. After the Treasury Department announced it was tripling its long-dated debt buyback program (to as much as $6 billion), the yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to a 3-year high. Investors continued to fret over inflation as the week progressed, putting further pressure on stocks.4,5
On Friday, stocks rebounded after news that annualized inflation held steady in August, puzzling some who expected stocks to decline. Oil prices fell, and markets rebounded to finish a tough week on an upbeat note.6
Source: YCharts.com, September 12, 2026. Weekly performance is measured from Friday, September 4 to Friday, September 11. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points.
Inflation Reports
Wholesale inflation was released on Thursday; PPI, or the Producer Price Index, rose 0.4 percent in August over the prior month, in line with expectations. Stocks were under pressure despite the tame results.7
But on Friday, the latest CPI (Consumer Price Index) report showed that year-over-year retail inflation in August held steady at 3.4 percent. Traders appeared to look past the report, with the question shifting from whether the Fed will adjust rates this year to how many times the Fed may need to act.8
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Meeting, Day 1.
Wednesday: Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Meeting, Day 2. Retail Sales. Import Prices. Manufacturing & Trade Inventories. NAHB Housing Market Index. Fed interest rate decision.
Thursday: Housing Starts. Weekly Jobless Claims. Pending Home Sales.
Friday: Industrial Production. Capacity Utilization. Leading Indicators.
Source: Investor’s Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar: September 11, 2026.
The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to provide accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts are also subject to revision.
This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings
No major companies are reporting this week.
Source: Zacks, September 11, 2026. Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule their earnings reports without notice.
Footnotes And Sources
1. WSJ.com, September 11, 2026
2. Investing.com, September 11, 2026
3. CNBC.com, September 8, 2026
4. CNBC.com, September 9, 2026
5. CNBC.com, September 9, 2026
6. WSJ.com, September 11, 2026
7. CNBC.com, September 10, 2026
8. WSJ.com, September 11, 2026
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The Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.
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Tags: CPI, DJIA, FOMC, Inflation, Interest Rates, NASDAQ, S&P 500
