For: October 12, 2026
>>Watching Wall Street
(New York, NY) -- The opening bell rings this morning after stocks closed higher on Friday to cap a volatile week. Stocks rose with a boost from the tech sector following Thursday's sell-off. SpaceX, Amazon and Microsoft all provided lift as the Nasdaq rebounded from its biggest one-day loss since mid-August. At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 423 points to 51-654. The S&P 500 added 46 points to 78-11. The Nasdaq rose 172 points to 27-366.
>>Fed Chair To Speak At IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings
(Undated) -- Coming up in the business week ahead, U.S. bond markets will be closed in observance of Columbus Day, while trading on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq operates as normal. The Consumer Price Index, which is seen as a key measure of inflation, will be released Wednesday and the Producer Price Index is due out Thursday. Although not it's primary inflation gauge, the PPI is closely watched by the Fed when it comes to setting interest rates. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh is due to speak the same day in Bangkok where he'll be attending the IMF-World Bank annual meetings. Thursday also brings retail sales numbers and weekly jobless claims.
>>Consumer Sentiment Falls On Inflation Worries
(Ann Arbor, MI) -- Consumer sentiment hit a five-month low in October. The University of Michigan's early reading for the month edged lower on concerns over high prices and worries about the economy. The survey noted a steep drop in sentiment among lower income consumers as frustration over the cost-of living continues to rise. Both short and long term inflation expectations increased to their highest levels since May.
>>California State Workers Prepare For Large-Scale Strike
(Undated) -- California's largest state workers' union is preparing to launch a major strike. It comes amid ongoing disputes with Governor Gavin Newsom's administration over wages, benefits and remote work. SEIU Local 1000, which represents approximately 100-thousand government employees, says over 96-percent of its voting members are preparing for a one-day strike on October 21st. According to the union's website, picket lines are expected to be seen in front of buildings in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and several other cities.
>>Starbucks Sidesteps Chipotle Takeover Report
(Seattle, WA) -- Starbucks is sidestepping a report that it has been considering a potential takeover of Chipotle Mexican Grill. The Financial Times reported last week that the coffee giant had recently worked with advisors on a proposed effort to unite the two chains. But Starbucks says in a statement that it remains "laser-focused" on its turnaround plan, dubbed the "Back to Starbucks strategy." Should things end up moving in the direction of a merger, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol would be back in business with the burrito chain he headed for six years. Both companies are due to release their latest earnings results before the end of the month.
>>More Consumers Considering Using AI For Holiday Shopping
(Washington, DC) -- More shoppers are planning to use AI this year to shop during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. A new report from YouGov found planned AI use among likely holiday shoppers more than doubled since last year, at 34-percent planning to use AI. Those planning to use or considering using AI to shop said trying to find the best price is their top reason to use the technology. However, more than half of AI shoppers at 56-percent are concerned about inaccurate or outdated information. The report also found just under half of Gen Z and Millennials are likely to shop during Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
