GfK’s consumer confidence index rose to -13 in September, up one point from August and the strongest reading since August 2024. Households reported greater optimism on personal finances and the economic outlook reached its highest level since August 2024; views on personal finances hit an eight-month high. GfK director Neil Bellamy warned worsening inflation expectations could begin to pressure households, noting the index remains in negative territory and rising inflation, energy and fuel price

U.S. 8-week Treasury bill auction bid-cover ratio 2.76 on Sept. 24; prior 2.94.

President Xi Jinping said China and the US have deeply intertwined interests and broad scope for cooperation, urging both sides to expand their cooperation agenda and pare down bilateral disputes. He said China’s door remains open to US investment and called for fair treatment of Chinese companies. Xi said both countries, as major AI powers, have a responsibility to develop and regulate AI responsibly and signalled willingness to step up cooperation on AI, counter‑narcotics and law enforcement, and to increase direct flights to ease personnel and trade flows.