Updated
Updated · CNBC · Sep 7
Fed Awaits 3.3% CPI as Apple Unveils iPhone 18 and New CEO John Ternus
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Sep 7

Fed Awaits 3.3% CPI as Apple Unveils iPhone 18 and New CEO John Ternus

3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Sep 7

Summary

  • Thursday-Friday inflation reports will shape the Fed’s Sept. 15-16 decision, with markets pricing roughly a 60% chance of a rate hike after a stronger-than-expected jobs report.
  • FactSet consensus sees August PPI up 0.4% month on month and 5.4% year on year, followed by CPI at 0.36% monthly and 3.3% annually; core CPI is expected at 2.3%.
  • Fed Governor Christopher Waller said August inflation will heavily influence his vote, signaling support for holding rates steady if progress toward the 2% target continues but backing a hike if inflation runs hot.
  • Apple’s Wednesday launch will be John Ternus’ first event as CEO and is expected to feature the iPhone 18 lineup, with Wall Street focused on a foldable model priced well above $2,000 and possible broader price increases.
  • Beyond the headline events, investors will parse conference appearances from Alphabet, Microsoft, Salesforce and Nvidia, plus Oracle and Adobe earnings, for signals on AI demand and software spending.

Insights

Could massive spending on AI infrastructure actually force the Federal Reserve into a surprise rate hike this year?
Will consumers accept a steep price jump for the iPhone 18 just to access new artificial intelligence features?
Can software giants prove their new AI tools are actually generating profits before investors lose patience?