Wealth Notes: Second Week of September 2026

By LakeWater Advisor on September 11, 2026

Rate Hike Back on the Table

Today, market expectations for a Federal Reserve rate increase next week surged after August wholesale inflation came in firm and oil prices climbed above $100 per barrel, reinforcing concerns that inflation pressures remain persistent. Traders are now pricing in a strong likelihood of a September rate hike and are increasingly considering the possibility of an additional increase before year-end. The latest data underscores how elevated energy costs, geopolitical tensions, and lingering supply-chain inflation are complicating the Fed’s efforts to return inflation to target, keeping monetary policy firmly focused on price stability.[i]

Apple’s Two-Track iPhone Strategy

Yesterday, Apple unveiled its first foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo, and introduced the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, but the most consequential announcement may have been what was missing: a standard iPhone launch. By separating its premium iPhone releases from lower-priced models, which analysts expect to arrive in the spring, Apple is reshaping a product cadence that has remained largely unchanged for seven years. The move could help smooth revenue throughout the year, support higher average selling prices, and simplify supply chain demands, while testing whether consumers will continue gravitating toward premium devices despite rising prices.[ii]

Inventory Meets Resistance

On Thursday, existing home sales fell 2% in August, even as housing inventory climbed to its highest level in more than a decade, highlighting the continued affordability challenges facing buyers. Elevated mortgage rates and record-high home prices, with the median existing home reaching $429,100, continue to suppress demand, particularly among entry-level buyers, while sales remain strongest in the luxury segment. The widening gap between improving supply and constrained affordability suggests the housing market remains in a slow adjustment period, with borrowing costs continuing to weigh more heavily on activity than inventory shortages.[iii]

Blockbuster Rebound

Earlier this week, new industry data showed the U.S. summer box office generated a record $4.76 billion in ticket sales, putting the industry on pace to surpass $10 billion in annual revenue for the first time since 2019. However, the milestone reflects a transformed theatrical landscape, with fewer screens, fewer moviegoers and fewer wide releases offset by significantly higher ticket prices and growing demand for premium formats such as IMAX and other large-screen experiences. The season’s success highlights the continued appeal of theatrical releases, while underscoring how studios and exhibitors are increasingly relying on blockbuster franchises, diverse content pipelines and premium offerings to drive growth in a post-pandemic market.[iv]

Renters Chase Value

Earlier this week, Zillow reported that rising housing costs and renewed rent growth are driving more renters to search for homes in lower-cost markets, with Buffalo, Chicago, Houston, New Orleans and Dallas seeing the largest increases in out-of-town rental interest. Rental demand is often a leading indicator of future home sales, suggesting these markets could see stronger population growth and housing activity in the coming years. The trend underscores how affordability continues to shape migration patterns as renters seek lower living costs, larger housing options and access to growing job markets.[v]

Labor Day Fuel Squeeze

Last weekend, U.S. gasoline prices reached a record Labor Day high, with the national average for regular unleaded fuel climbing to $4.15 per gallon, marking the first time the holiday average has exceeded $4. Elevated crude oil prices, supply disruptions in the Middle East and refinery outages have kept fuel costs roughly 30% higher than a year ago, increasing travel expenses during one of the busiest driving weekends of the year. While the seasonal shift to lower-cost winter-blend gasoline could provide some relief in the weeks ahead, global oil supply constraints remain the key determinant of prices at the pump.[vi]

[i] Cox, Jeff. “The Likelihood of a Fed Interest Rate Hike Next Week Just Got a Lot Higher.” CNBC, 10 September 2026, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/10/the-likelihood-of-a-fed-interest-rate-hike-next-week-just-got-a-lot-higher.html. Accessed 10 September 2026.

[ii] Leswing, Kif. “Apple Makes Biggest Change to iPhone Release Cadence in 7 Years in Ternus’ First Showcase as CEO.” CNBC, 10 September 2026, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/10/apple-makes-biggest-change-to-iphone-release-cadence-in-7-years.html. Accessed 10 September 2026.

[iii] Olick, Diana. “Home Sales Fall in August Despite the Highest Supply in Over a Decade.” CNBC, 10 September 2026, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/10/home-sales-august-supply.html. Accessed 10 September 2026.

[iv] Whitten, Sarah. “What a Historic Summer Box Office Reveals About Massive Shifts in the Theatrical Industry.” CNBC, 9 September 2026, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/09/summer-box-theatrical-shifts.html. Accessed 10 September 2026.

[v] Olick, Diana. “Here’s Where Rental Demand Is Heading and What It Means for Future Home Sales.” CNBC, 8 September 2026, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/08/rental-demand-home-sales-zillow-report.html. Accessed 10 September 2026.

[vi] Agostino, Sarah. “Gasoline Prices, Over $4 Per Gallon, Hit Record High for Labor Day.” CNBC, 7 September 2026, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/07/gas-prices-labor-day-record-high-road-trip.html. Accessed 10 September 2026.

Hightower LakeWater is a group comprised of investment professionals registered with Hightower Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Some investment professionals may also be registered with Hightower Securities, LLC (member FINRA and SIPC). Advisory services are offered through Hightower Advisors, LLC. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC.

This is not an offer to buy or sell securities, nor should anything contained herein be construed as a recommendation or advice of any kind. Consult with an appropriately credentialed professional before making any financial, investment, tax or legal decision. No investment process is free of risk, and there is no guarantee that any investment process or investment opportunities will be profitable or suitable for all investors. Past performance is neither indicative nor a guarantee of future results. You cannot invest directly in an index.

These materials were created for informational purposes only; the opinions and positions stated are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily the official opinion or position of Hightower Advisors, LLC or its affiliates (“Hightower”). Any examples used are for illustrative purposes only and based on generic assumptions. All data or other information referenced is from sources believed to be reliable but not independently verified. Information provided is as of the date referenced and is subject to change without notice. Hightower assumes no liability for any action made or taken in reliance on or relating in any way to this information. Hightower makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information, for statements or errors or omissions, or results obtained from the use of this information. References to any person, organization, or the inclusion of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement (or guarantee of accuracy or safety) by Hightower of any such person, organization or linked website or the information, products or services contained therein.

Click here for definitions of and disclosures specific to commonly used terms.