U.S. new home sales annualized MoM +6.4% in August; prior -10.5%.

Former Dallas Fed president Robert Kaplan said the bond market has been too aggressive in pricing Fed rate hikes. He called a September hike the right decision, said a December hike could be reasonable, but suggested pausing in October may be appropriate. Kaplan described inflation as concerning on both monthly and annual measures and said monthly inflation annualized is close to 3%. He noted the Fed dot plot implies one more hike this year, while markets had priced at least three additional hikes through next June as of Thursday morning. Kaplan added that AI infrastructure and defense spending are strong, whereas autos, housing-related firms and businesses serving low- and middle-income consumers are weak or sluggish, and sectors most sensitive to the federal funds rate are not overheating.

SWISS NATIONAL BANK vice chairman said inf may remain elevated for some time.