BLS Posts Latest Major Indicators: CPI +0.6%, Unemployment Rate 4.2% for September 2026

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has updated its Major Economic Indicators page with the latest readings. The update was published on 20 Oct 2026. Several figures are marked preliminary (p) by the BLS.

September 2026 Labor and Price Figures

For September 2026, the BLS lists the following:

• Consumer Price Index (CPI): +0.6%
• Unemployment rate: 4.2%
• Payroll employment: +29,000 (preliminary)
• Average hourly earnings: +$0.05 (preliminary)
• Producer Price Index, final demand: +1.3% (preliminary)

Trade Prices and Second-Quarter Data

The page also shows September 2026 trade price data. The U.S. Import Price Index is listed at +1.1% and the U.S. Export Price Index at +2.2%.

For the second quarter of 2026, the Employment Cost Index (ECI) is listed at +0.9% and productivity at +1.4%.

Each indicator links to its full news release and historical data on the BLS site. Traders who want more detail than this summary can find the complete releases there.

Notes for EA trading

Major U.S. data releases can bring sharp price swings and wider spreads, particularly in the minutes around publication. Traders running EAs may want to check the release calendar in advance. Some consider pausing automated systems or reviewing their risk settings around these times.