Foreign Exchange Market Update

October 24, 2025

United States (U.S.) Consumer Prices Rise 0.3% In September

A closely watched report released by the Labor Department on Friday showed consumer prices in the U.S. increased in September. The Labor Department reported that its consumer price index increased by 0.3% in September, following a 0.4% rise in August. The report also said the annual rate of growth in consumer prices ticked up to 3.0% in September from 2.9% in August, although that was slower than the 3.1% jump expected by economists.

The monthly increase in consumer prices partly reflected a 1.5% jump in energy prices, which came as gasoline prices spiked by 4.1%. Excluding food and energy prices, the core consumer price index crept up by 0.2% in September after rising by 0.3% in August. The Labor Department also said the annual rate of growth in consumer prices slowed to 3.0% in September from 3.1% in August.

The monthly uptick in core consumer prices reflected higher prices for shelter, airline fares, recreation, household furnishings and operations, and apparel. Meanwhile, prices for motor vehicle insurance, used cars and trucks, and communication were among the few that decreased in September, the Labor Department said.

The report on consumer price inflation was originally scheduled to be released last Wednesday, but was postponed until Friday due to the government shutdown. The Labor Department said the data collection for the report was completed before the lapse in appropriations.

While no other releases will be produced until the resumption of regular government services, the consumer price index data allows the Social Security Administration to meet statutory deadlines necessary to ensure the accurate and timely payment of benefits. 10/24/2025 - 09:52:00 (RTTNews)

Spain Jobless Rate Climbs in Q3

Euro traded at 1.1625 against USD at 9:00 AM PST

Spain's unemployment rose slightly in the third quarter despite an increase in employment. The unemployment rate rose to 10.45% from 10.29% in the second quarter. The number of employed increased by 118,400 to 22.38 million in the third quarter.

Meanwhile, unemployment increased by 60,100 to 2.61 million. By sector, employment increased in industry by 64,100 and by 39,100 in services. Construction created 32,600 more jobs. Meanwhile, employment decreased by 17,400 in the farm sector. With GDP growth still projected to exceed potential, albeit at a softer pace, employment is likely to keep expanding, though gradually. 10/24/2025 - 10:00:00 (RTTNews)

United Kingdom (U.K.) Retail Sales Rise; Consumer Confidence Improves

British Pounds traded at 1.3296 against USD at 9:00 AM PST

U.K. retail sales grew in September amid strong expansion in non-store retailing. Retail sales advanced 0.5% in September from the previous month. Sales climbed 0.6% in August. The increase marked the fourth consecutive rise and took the total volume to the highest level since July 2022. Excluding auto fuel, retail sales growth was 0.6% compared to 1.0% in August.

Sales volumes of computer and telecommunications retailers grew strongly, alongside continued growth among non-store retailers, where online jewelers reported strong demand for gold. Yearly, retail sales volume grew at a faster pace of 1.5% after rising 0.7% in August.

The rate was also better than the forecast of 0.6%. Excluding auto fuel, retail sales posted an annual growth of 2.3%, following August's 1.3% rise. In the third quarter, retail sales increased 0.9% from the previous quarter as good weather in July and August boosted clothing sales and non-store retailers showed sustained monthly rises over both quarters.

The consumer confidence index rose to -17 from -19 in September. Four measures were up, and one was down from the previous month. 10/24/2025 - 03:58:00 (RTTNews)