Most major U.S. economic reports come out at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, an hour before the stock market opens, which is why stock futures often jump at that minute. They include the monthly jobs report, consumer and producer price inflation, GDP and weekly jobless claims. Survey data such as the ISM manufacturing index usually follow at 10:00 a.m. ET. Federal Reserve rate decisions come at 2:00 p.m. ET.
Key takeaways
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics releases the Employment Situation (jobs) report, the Consumer Price Index and the Producer Price Index at 8:30 a.m. ET.
- Weekly initial jobless claims are published every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. ET by the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Federal Reserve policy statements are released at 2:00 p.m. ET on decision days, followed by the Chair’s press conference at 2:30 p.m. ET.
The reports that move stocks, and when they come out
All times are Eastern Time. Release dates change every month, so always check the official schedule linked in the last column.
| Report | Usual timing | What it measures | Official schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Situation (jobs report) | 8:30 a.m., usually the first Friday of the month | Nonfarm payrolls, unemployment rate, wages | BLS |
| Consumer Price Index (CPI) | 8:30 a.m., mid-month | Consumer inflation | BLS |
| Producer Price Index (PPI) | 8:30 a.m., mid-month | Wholesale and producer inflation | BLS |
| Initial jobless claims | 8:30 a.m. every Thursday | New unemployment insurance filings | DOL |
| GDP | 8:30 a.m., late in the month after each quarter (three estimates) | Economic growth | BEA |
| Personal income and outlays (PCE inflation) | Late in the month | Spending, income and the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge | BEA |
| ISM manufacturing index | 10:00 a.m., first business day of the month | Factory activity (above 50 = expansion) | ISM |
| FOMC rate decision | 2:00 p.m. statement, 2:30 p.m. press conference, eight meetings a year (2026–2027 dates) | The federal funds rate and policy outlook | Federal Reserve |
Why 8:30 a.m. ET matters for the open
Because the big government reports land an hour before the 9:30 a.m. ET open, the first reaction happens in stock index futures and in the pre-market session. A jobs number or inflation reading far from forecasts can move S&P 500 futures by more than 1% within minutes. The 10-year Treasury yield and the dollar usually react in the same minute.
Full release schedules: CPI release dates, jobs report dates, PCE release dates, GDP release dates and Fed meeting dates.
How to read a release: actual versus forecast
Markets trade on surprises. Each release is compared with the consensus forecast of economists surveyed in advance. A strong number is not automatically good for stocks:
- Hotter inflation than forecast tends to push yields up and stocks down, because it makes rate cuts less likely.
- Much stronger jobs growth than forecast can do the same for the same reason, even though it signals a healthy economy.
- Weaker data than forecast can lift stocks if traders expect the Fed to cut rates sooner, unless it raises fears of a recession.
Revisions matter too. The jobs report revises the previous two months, and GDP is estimated three times, so the headline is only part of the story.
How PreMarket Daily covers the calendar
Every pre-market briefing lists the day’s scheduled releases and their consensus forecasts. Our Economy coverage reports the actual figures with links to the official releases. Each Sunday, the Week Ahead preview in Weekend Analysis sets out the full schedule for the coming week.
Frequently asked questions
What time is the jobs report released?
At 8:30 a.m. ET, usually on the first Friday of the month, by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What time is CPI released?
At 8:30 a.m. ET, around the middle of the month. The exact date is on the BLS release schedule.
What time does the Fed announce interest rate decisions?
The FOMC statement comes out at 2:00 p.m. ET on the final day of each meeting, and the Chair’s press conference starts at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Can release dates change?
Yes. Holidays and government shutdowns can delay releases, so check the official schedules linked above.
Last reviewed: November 8, 2026, by the PreMarket Daily editorial desk. Sources: BLS release calendar, BEA release schedule, Federal Reserve FOMC calendar. This guide is general information, not investment advice.