The Federal Reserve
Markets see the Fed skipping an October increase.
Employers added 29,000 jobs in September, and unemployment rose to 4.2 percent. After Friday’s report, traders put the chance of an October rise at about one in six.
The Rocket News · Business Desk · WashingtonOctober 4, 2026 · 3 min read
WASHINGTON — Traders marked down the chance of a Federal Reserve increase this month after Friday’s jobs report. Employers added 29,000 jobs in September, against about 90,000 that economists had expected, and the unemployment rate rose to 4.2 percent from 4.1 percent. Reuters said interest-rate futures put the chance of a rise at the Oct. 27–28 meeting at about one in six.
The Fed raised its benchmark by a quarter point on Sept. 17, to a range of 3.75 to 4 percent, the first increase in three years. Officials said this week they wanted more data before moving again. A December increase is still seen as likely. The October meeting falls days before the midterm elections.
The Business desk files the bet. The chairman has not announced a skip. The governor polls are on the front.
Wire and further reading: reuters.com
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The Labor Market
Employers added 29,000 jobs. Unemployment rose to 4.2 percent.
Economists had looked for about 90,000 jobs and a rate of 4.1 percent. July was revised to a loss. Kevin Hassett said he was not disappointed.
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