CB Consumer Confidence increased to 125.9

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®, which had improved marginally in September (an upward revision), increased again in October. The Index now stands at 125.9 (1985=100), up from 120.6 in September. The Present Situation Index increased from 146.9 to 151.1, while the Expectations Index rose from 103.0 last month to 109.1. "Consumer confidence increased to its highest level in almost 17 years (Dec. 2000, 128.6) in October after remaining relatively flat in September," said Lynn Franco, Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board.

USD - Major events in the week ahead

Events that marked the week:

On Wednesday Durable Goods Orders data was published. U.S. orders for business equipment increased more than forecast in September, indicating solid investment momentum as the third quarter drew to a close, Commerce Department figures showed Wednesday. Non-military capital goods orders excluding aircraft climbed 1.3% (est. 0.3% gain) for a third straight month. Shipments of those goods, which are used to calculate gross domestic product, rose 0.7% (est. 0.1% gain) after a revised 1.2% advance. Bookings for all durable goods jumped 2.2% (est. 1% advance) following 2% increase. Excluding transportation-equipment demand, which is volatile, orders rose 0.7% for a second month.

U.S. Consumer Sentiment declined to 100.7

Consumer confidence declined slightly in October after clocking record highs earlier this month. The consumer sentiment index, a survey of consumers by The University of Michigan, hit 100.7 in October, slightly below estimates of 100.9, according to economists polled by Reuters. Earlier this month, the key economic indicator leaped 6.3 percent to 101.1, demolishing the record previously set in August.

U.S. GDP grew by 3.0% in Q3

Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 3.0 percent in the third quarter of 2017, according to the "advance" estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the second quarter, real GDP increased 3.1 percent. The Bureau emphasized that the third-quarter advance estimate released today is based on source dana that are incomplete or subject to further revision by the source agency. The "second" estimate for the third quarter, based on more complete data, will be released on November 29, 2017.