S&P 500 and Nasdaq rose September 30 as softer inflation eased rate fears

S&P 500 and Nasdaq climbed on September 30, 2026, Reuters reported, after softer-than-anticipated inflation eased fears of higher Federal Reserve rates. Both were on track for September monthly gains. Cooler inflation — slower price rises — can mean lower borrowing costs for households, though one report does not settle the rate path.