PPI, retail sales, jobless claims, and oil inventories among economic data due Thursday

On Thursday, October 15, 2026, traders will be closely watching a series of economic data releases that could impact financial markets. Key among these reports are the Producer Price Index (PPI), retail sales, initial jobless claims, and crude oil inventories. The PPI, which is released at 7:30 AM ET, is expected to show a 0.6% increase, compared to the previous 0.4%.

The core PPI, which excludes food and energy, is forecast at 0.3%, down from 0.2% previously. The initial jobless claims, also at 7:30 AM ET, are predicted to be 199,000, a slight drop from the 197,000 previously reported. Retail sales are expected to grow by 0.3%, compared to the 1.2% increase in the previous period. Core retail sales, which exclude volatile components such as automobiles, are projected to rise by 0.6%, up from the 1.4% increase in the prior period.

The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index is anticipated to be at 28.2, a decline from the 37.8 recorded earlier. Crude oil inventories, reported at 7:30 AM ET, will show a decrease to 3.186 million barrels, down from the previous 3.186 million. These economic indicators will provide valuable insights into inflation, labor market health, consumer spending, and energy market conditions.