The Federal Open Market Committee set the discount rate which can be very influential for economic and market conditions. The Index is a measure of current prices compared to base-year prices. Although it relies on a market basket of goods that don't account for substitution or changing consumer choices, it is an indication of the rate of inflation. Consumer spending is volatile reflected month to month changes in the Retail Sales totals. Higher interest rates usually puts a crimp in demand for big ticket household goods, but have not had substantial impact in current spending levels.
Spending is at moderate and sustainable levels.
The US Department of Labor release the Producer Price Index monthly. Producers prices are a measure of inflationary pressures. The PPI is a measure of a basket of goods at an early stage in the distribution system and serves as one of the leading indicators for policymakers as it signals changes in the general price level some time before actually materializing. A good measure of economic activity, Housing Starts for single families is released by the Bureau of Census monthly. Housing starts can indicate future strength in the housing sector of the economy and is closely related to interest rates and other basic economic factors.