What are today's top business/market headlines?
Here’s what’s moving markets today (Sunday, October 18, 2026):
Want these tailored to a sector (tech, energy, banks) or with key earnings dates for the week?
Citations (6)
- How major US stock indexes fared Friday 10/16/2026
Backs: “Stocks ended last week lower as tech/AI names slumped; the Nasdaq fell 4.5% for the week while the Dow held up better.”
- Inflation worsened last month to 3.7% in sign that prices remain elevated as midterm elections near
Backs: “September inflation reaccelerated to 3.7% year over year, helping trigger midweek equity losses and rate jitters.”
- Average long-term US mortgage rate holds at 7.4%, remaining at highest level in nearly 3 years
Backs: “Mortgage rates held at 7.40% for a 30‑year fixed, the highest in nearly three years, keeping housing affordability tight.”
- US home sales rose in September, but slowed from a year earlier as mortgage rates, prices rose
Backs: “Existing-home sales rose 1.5% in September from August but remain below last year’s pace as higher rates and prices weigh on demand.”
- Retail price impacts from the Iran war are uneven but add up for US households before midterms
Backs: “U.S. gasoline averages above $4/gal this October for the first time, with war-related supply strains adding pressure.”
- Big earnings reports, homebuilding and the mood of consumers up front next week
Backs: “A heavy slate of earnings (including tech and airlines) and the University of Michigan’s final October sentiment reading are on deck this week.”