WHAT THE US CENTRAL BANK COULD DO

The odds for a September tapering announcement from the Fed fell sharply after August’s softer than expected employment report showed just 235,000 jobs were created, about 500,000 less than expected.

Economists now mostly expect a November announcement, but the September meeting could be important for what else the Fed says. The quarterly forecasts of Fed officials are released along with the statement on Wednesday.

They include new economic projections and an updated interest rate forecast. Rising prices and concerns about growing inflation drove pessimism among consumers. While inflation slowed in August, it remains elevated above pre-pandemic levels.