The big question in the October 30 week is whether the FOMC will hold the fed funds target rate range at 5.25-5.50 percent for the second meeting in a row. The present crop of economic data and anecdotal evidence is expected to result in no change in rates after the October 31-November 1 meeting. A resilient US economy grew 4.9 percent in the third quarter. If the labor market reflects slower hiring activity, it also shows few signs of an acceleration in layoffs. Inflation was less improved in the September reports, but at least some of that is due to rising gasoline costs which are now moderating quickly. Tightening ... (full story)