The upcoming FOMC minutes and a speech by Jerome Powell are set to play a critical role in shaping market expectations as the U.S. government shutdown creates a data vacuum. With the September jobs report delayed, markets are currently pricing in a 90% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut at the Federal Reserve's October 29 meeting. The situation is further complicated by weak private sector job data and high inflation expectations, making Powell's insights and the FOMC minutes essential for understanding the Fed's policy direction.