September 21-25, 2026
Wall Street turns its attention toward Washington this week, with the biggest potential market catalyst arriving Thursday when President Donald Trump hosts Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House. Read on to see why this week matters.
PreMarket Prep Guests
Monday: Jeremy Schwartz
Tuesday: Laura Chico
Wednesday: Blu Putnam
Thursday: Tracy Ryniec
Friday: Ryan Detrick
Economic Data
Monday, September 21
Chicago Fed National Activity Index for August
Tuesday, September 22
Philadelphia Fed Non-Manufacturing Survey
Richmond Fed Manufacturing Survey
Wednesday, September 23
S&P Global Manufacturing PMI for September
S&P Global Services PMI for September
Thursday, September 24
Initial jobless claims
New home sales for August
Friday, September 25
Durable goods orders for August
Final University of Michigan consumer sentiment reading for September
Why This Week Matters
The Trump-Xi meeting is the week's biggest scheduled geopolitical and market event. The two leaders are expected to discuss tariffs, trade agreements, critical minerals, agriculture, artificial intelligence and other areas of the U.S.-China relationship.
Meta Connect is scheduled for Sept. 23-24, putting artificial intelligence, AI glasses and the company's broader AI strategy in focus. Meta recently launched Muse, its personal AI agent, adding another potential talking point around the company's consumer AI ambitions.
Costco's earnings Thursday will provide another look at consumer spending and the performance of a major retail bellwether. General Mills and Darden will provide additional reads on food and restaurant demand, while AutoZone offers exposure to auto maintenance spending and KB Home provides a look at the housing market.
After a week dominated by the Fed, the market has plenty of new variables to digest. Trade negotiations, Treasury yields, Fed commentary, economic data and a handful of important earnings reports should keep traders busy from Monday's open through Costco's Thursday close.
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