If another Federal Reserve decision on interest rates is the main course on this week’s menu of economic news, Tuesday’s inflation report will almost certainly set the table. Investors are hoping that a second straight tame report on the consumer price index (CPI) will increase the Fed’s comfort level with holding rates steady after a two-day meeting Wednesday – an outcome that’s virtually certain. Markets would also love to see inflation data that helps coax officials to speed up anticipated interest rate cuts in its forecast for next year. The prospect of accelerated rate cuts – which typically make stocks more ... (full story)