Markets Await Michigan Consumer Sentiment, Inflation Expectations, and CFTC Positioning Data

Financial markets are focusing on Friday's economic releases, led by the preliminary University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment survey and CFTC Commitments of Traders data. Analysts expect consumer sentiment to drop slightly to 47.5 from 48.1, while consumer expectations are projected to soften to 45.9 from 46.3. Focus remains heavily on inflation expectations after September's year-ahead measure spiked to 4.6% from 4.0% and the five-year gauge rose to 3.4% from 3.3%. Markets are also monitoring CFTC speculative positioning, with prior S&P 500 net positioning standing at -142.5K contracts.