[Preview: U.S. August PCE to be released tonight at 20:30, unlikely to justify Fed pausing rate hikes] BlockBeats News, September 30 – The U.S. August Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index will be released tonight at 20:30. The market expects August PCE inflation to remain elevated, with the data likely insufficient to provide a solid basis for the Federal Reserve to pause further tightening measures. Overall PCE is expected to rise 0.4% month-on-month and 3.7% year-on-year, both roughly in line with July's figures. Core PCE, which excludes food and energy, is projected to increase 0.3% month-on-month and 3.3% year-on-year, still above the Fed's 2% inflation target. The rebound in energy prices and resilient consumer spending may complicate the Fed's policy decisions. If the data meets expectations, the market may continue to focus on whether the Fed will raise rates again this year. At its September meeting, the Fed raised the policy rate by 25 basis points to 3.75%-4.00% and indicated in its latest projections that there is still room for further adjustments before the end of the year. There are internal disagreements within the Fed regarding the future policy path. Fed Governor Barr believes that tariffs and the Iran conflict have diverted inflation from its trajectory toward the 2% target, suggesting that further rate hikes may still be necessary. Meanwhile, New York Fed President Williams stated that there is no need to act hastily but expects one more rate hike may be needed this year. If the PCE data exceeds expectations, market pricing for additional rate hikes may strengthen.