Rate cut follows larger half-point reduction in September
Prices rose just 2.1% in September from a year earlier, down from a 2.3% rise in August
Job growth was held down in October by hurricanes and worker strikes
Federal Reserve research suggests consumer spending is the primary driver of the U.S. economy
A big reason the Fed is reducing rates is because hiring has slowed, unemployment has picked up
Inflation in August was barely above the Fed's 2% inflation target
Polled Americans continue to cite inflation as a leading concern
Move reflects new focus on bolstering the job market
Online retailers, sporting goods stores, and home and garden stores all reported higher sales
The central bank is expected to announce a rate cut this Wednesday