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Micron Reports After the Bell: Can the AI Memory Boom Keep Beating a Very High Bar?

Wall Street is heading into the close on Wednesday with two things on its mind: the Fed's favorite inflation gauge and Micron Technology. According to Bloomberg, US stocks paused ahead of both, with the inflation data key for interest rates and Micron's report key for the AI trade. Micron reports fiscal fourth-quarter results after the closing bell, and a big move in either direction could ripple into Asian chip stocks when markets open in the morning. The Numbers, Verified Across Sources What Micron guided (SEC filing): For the quarter ending in August, Micron told investors to expect revenue of $50 billion, give or take $1 billion, non-GAAP earnings of $31 per share, give or take $1, and a gross margin of about 86%. What analysts expect (Alphastreet, 33 analysts): Consensus sits at $31.56 per share on $51.20 billion in revenue, slightly above the top half of Micron's own guidance range. Estimates are wide, running from $28.04 to $37.44 per share for earnings and from...
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Your Social Security Check Is Getting Bigger in 2027

If you're one of the roughly 75 million Americans receiving Social Security, there's a specific date worth circling on your calendar: October 14, 2026. That's when the Social Security Administration will officially announce next year's cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) the annual bump that determines how much bigger your monthly check gets in 2027.

What's Actually Expected

Calendar showing October 14 circled with Social Security card representing 2027 cost-of-living adjustment announcement


The COLA isn't announced until the September inflation data is released, which happens the same morning as the announcement itself. But based on data collected so far this year, most projections are converging around a 3.6% increase, according to estimates from both AARP and The Senior Citizens League.

For context, that would be noticeably higher than the 2.8% COLA seniors received for 2026. At 3.6%, the average retired worker's monthly benefit currently around $2,086 would increase by roughly $75 a month.

It's worth noting these numbers have already shifted once this year: earlier estimates in May pointed toward a COLA as high as 3.9%, but cooling inflation over the summer months brought that projection down. The exact final number depends entirely on how September's inflation data comes in.

How the COLA Is Actually Calculated

The COLA isn't a discretionary decision it's a formula based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). The Social Security Administration compares the average CPI-W for the third quarter (July, August, September) of the current year against the same quarter from the last year a COLA took effect. Whatever the percentage difference is, rounded to the nearest tenth of a percent, becomes the following year's COLA.

What This Means for You

If you're currently receiving benefits: The new amount takes effect with your December 2026 benefit, which is actually paid in January 2027 for most recipients (those who started benefits after May 1997 follow the standard payment schedule based on birth date; those who started earlier, or who receive SSI, will see their new amount in the December 31, 2026 payment due to New Year's Day falling on a holiday).

If you're budgeting for next year: A 3.6% increase sounds helpful, but it's worth checking it against your actual cost increases rent, groceries, and healthcare costs have outpaced general inflation for many households in recent years. Don't assume the COLA alone will fully offset your specific rising expenses.

If you're on Medicare: Keep an eye on your Part B premium changes too, since these are typically deducted directly from your Social Security payment and can offset a meaningful chunk of your COLA increase.

Personalized notices: will be mailed by the SSA in early December, or available sooner through your My Social Security online account, telling you your exact new benefit amount.

Bottom Line

October 14 is the day the guesswork ends and the actual number becomes official. Until then, current projections around 3.6% give a reasonable planning estimate, but the true figure will hinge entirely on how September's inflation numbers land worth checking back once the announcement drops.

This post is for general informational purposes and isn't personalized financial advice. Please consult the Social Security Administration or a licensed financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation.

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