ECONOMIC WEEK AHEAD: August 25-29

Now that Fed Chair Jerome Powell is talking the talk of easing, markets are on the lookout for whether upcoming data are walking the walk.

A Fed rate cut next month isn't a done deal, no matter what Powell hinted at last Friday at Jackson Hole. A lot can happen in a few weeks. Before the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meets September 16-17, policymakers will see a fresh batch of employment and inflation data. This could put a stronger-than-usual spotlight on July's PCED inflation rate (Fri) and any other data that might alter Fed views on either end of its dual mandate of full employment and price stability.