The American economy is entering a crucial week for financial markets, while investors await the publication of new inflation data and financial results of some of the largest banks in the world.
According to Reuters agency, reports to be released over the next week are expected to provide significant signals to the state of the American economy and future direction of interest rates.
At the centre of the spotlight will be the index of consumer prices (CPI), which measures the changes in the prices of goods and services that American families buy.
The new data, expected to be released on Wednesday, October 14th, will show whether inflationary pressures are continuing or beginning to soften.
Inflation remains one of the main concerns for the world's largest economy, especially after rising energy prices and uncertainty in international trade.
A higher inflation than expectations could push the US Federal Reserve (Federal Reserve) to maintain higher interest rates for longer, or consider other austerity measures.
This would have consequences for bank loans, housing markets, business investments and consumer spending.
Meanwhile, attention will also focus on the financial results of American banks.
Reuters reports that JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs are among the institutions expected to publish the three-month results on Tuesday, October 13th.
The performance of these banks is considered an important indicator of economic activity, as it may reveal changes in credit demand, consumer spending and company investments.
Analysts also expect a powerful season of financial results for S&P 500 index companies.
According to Reuters quoted analysts' estimates, the profits of the index companies may have increased by more than 30 per cent compared to the same period last year.
However, growth is not the same in all sectors of the economy.
Large technology companies and semi-surgeon producers are expected to be among the key contributors, while other sectors continue to face higher costs and weaker demand.
International markets are also closely following developments in the US.
Changes in expectations for American interest rates can affect the value of the dollar against the euro and other currency, as well as the cost of financing for governments and businesses worldwide.
For European investors, a stronger dollar could affect the prices of energy imports and raw materials traded in American currency.
For this reason, inflation data and bank results matter not only to Wall Street but also to the global economy.
The week that starts on October 12th could offer a clearer view of whether the American economy is maintaining the pace of growth or whether high costs are beginning to exert greater pressure on businesses and consumers.
The answer will depend on figures that will be released and on how they interpret investors and the Federal Reserve.
