Recent softening in U.S. labor market data has eased near-term monetary policy tightening expectations, supporting equity sentiment. The S&P 500 closed at 7,722.72 on October 2 after a 0.73% gain, as September nonfarm payrolls rose just 29,000 versus expectations of 90,000, with prior months revised lower and unemployment ticking up to 4.2%. This follows the Federal Reserve’s September 25-basis-point hike that lifted the target range to 4.00%, amid August core PCE at 3.0% and 10-year Treasury yields near 5.30%. Traders are now focused on the October 14 CPI, October 15 PPI and retail sales, the October 27–28 FOMC meeting, and October 29 GDP and PCE releases for clearer signals on inflation persistence and rate path.