Financial news

Short news on the events that move markets, each with its date, its public sources and a note on why it matters. General information, not investment advice.

• The Fed raises rates for the first time since 2023, to 3.75%-4%

  On 16 September 2026 the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate by a quarter point, to 3.75%-4%, with a unanimous vote. What it said, and what comes next on 27-28 October.

• US inflation rises to 3.7% in September as gasoline jumps 9.1%

  US consumer prices rose 3.7% in the year to September 2026, above the 3.6% expected, driven by energy. Core inflation reached 2.6%. What it means for the Fed's October meeting.

• Nasdaq falls 4.5% in a week as AI stocks slide and yields top 5%

  On 16 October 2026 the Nasdaq fell 2.1% to 26,140 and lost 4.5% on the week, while the Dow posted a second weekly gain. Chips, AI software and CoreWeave led the decline.

• Anthropic's IPO reportedly slips from October to November

  Anthropic's listing, expected in October 2026, has reportedly moved to November. Its last private valuation is 965 billion dollars; talk of about 2 trillion at IPO is unconfirmed.

• OpenAI in talks to raise 30 billion dollars at about 1.4 trillion

  OpenAI is reportedly in talks to raise at least 30 billion dollars at a valuation of about 1.4 trillion, up from 852 billion in March 2026. Its IPO has been pushed to 2027 at the earliest.

• Jio Platforms opens India's biggest IPO on 21 October

  Reliance's Jio Platforms seeks up to 30,213 crore rupees, about 3.2 billion dollars, at 1,065-1,119 rupees a share. Subscription runs 21-23 October, with listing expected on 28 October.

• Charles Schwab opens bitcoin and ether trading to eligible retail clients

  Schwab says all eligible clients can now trade spot bitcoin and ether, at a 0.75% fee, in 48 US states. Solana, Avalanche and Chainlink are planned by year-end.

• Bitcoin briefly drops below 80,000 dollars after hot US inflation data

  Bitcoin fell to 79,694 dollars on 15 October 2026 after the US CPI surprise, then rebounded above 82,000. Over 929 million dollars of leveraged positions were liquidated.

• ECB raises rates by a quarter point; deposit rate at 2.50% before the 29 October meeting

  The European Central Bank raised its three key rates by 25 basis points on 10 September 2026, bringing the deposit facility rate to 2.50%. The next decision is due on 29 October.

• Gold near 4,170 dollars, down 4% in a month and below its January record

  Gold traded at 4,168 dollars an ounce on 16 October 2026, down about 4% from a month earlier and 2% from a year earlier, despite higher inflation, as real yields climbed.