Wall Street week ahead: consumer confidence, inflation, employment updates | National News

• The Dow gained 150 points, or 0.30%, on Friday, led by the tech sector, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 also rising 0.08% and 0.10% respectively. • Durable goods orders in the US were flat in August, indicating no change in demand for long-lasting products.

• The S&P 500 gained 37.96 points to end at 7,742.09 points, the Nasdaq Composite gained 125.51 points to 27,064.88, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 469.07 points to 51,819.05, according to preliminary data. • A plan to raise asset thresholds that trigger stricter oversight of big banks is being worked on by the US Federal Reserve, which would allow some lenders to avoid additional regulation, according to four people with knowledge of the matter.

• Major U.S. stock indices rose today as positive sentiment surrounding artificial intelligence boosted technology and chip stocks. • The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 406.68 points to 51,756.66, while Microsoft rose 3% and Qualcomm and Dell each gained 5%.

• The European Central Bank will conclude its next policy meeting on 29 October 2026. • The bank previously raised all key interest rates by 25 basis points on 10 September 2026, with changes taking effect on 16 September.

• U.S. equities rose on Friday as Wall Street prepared to conclude a volatile week of trading. • Financial markets experienced a surge in Treasury yields, which are the interest rates paid on government debt.

• European stock markets retreated on Tuesday as investors reacted to rising oil prices and expectations of interest rate hikes. • Switzerland’s SMI index edged down by 0.11%, while markets in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, and Spain also closed weak.

• President Xi and President Trump concluded a summit on September 25, 2026, without reaching a major breakthrough. • The two leaders failed to resolve persistent disputes regarding tariffs, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, and the war in Iran.

• India climbed to 31st place on the World Economic Forum's travel and tourism index. • Japan holds the top position, followed by the US, Spain, Australia, and France in the top five.

• Central banks dominated market activity this week as investors evaluated inflation risks and diverging policy decisions. • Bond yields reached 4% while the U.S. dollar maintained its strength amid persistent geopolitical risks.

• Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi announced this week that Iran submitted a proposal to the US via mediators to restart negotiations and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. • Airbus shares fell 1.8% after the company identified a corrosion protection defect affecting more than 500 A321neo aircraft.

• UBS Group has restarted talks about leaving Switzerland, possibly through a merger with a foreign bank. • The decision follows a move by the Swiss parliament to advance tougher capital requirements for the bank.