Global investors and traders are gearing up for an action-packed week that includes key economic data and central bank announcements.
NEW YORK — After a week marked by confusion and indecision, market players worldwide are directing their focus to the upcoming barrage of high-tier data releases and central bank decisions.
Asia-Pacific
China’s Economic Indicators:
China will commence the week early Tuesday with releases of Retail Sales and Industrial Production figures, as concerns persist over the country’s economic slowdown. The effects of these reports on commodities such as gold have become increasingly pronounced, with XAU/USD reaching its lowest point in almost a month last week.
Japan’s Growth Data:
Investors will also closely monitor Japan’s Gross Domestic Product data, to be announced late Monday, seeking signs of momentum in the Asian economic giant’s recovery.
Australia’s Job Market:
The Unemployment Rate from Australia, due Thursday, will be closely watched by markets and could influence the Reserve Bank’s future policy.
Europe
EUR/USD Trend:
The Euro struggled against the U.S. Dollar last week, with the pair finishing on the downside near the 1.1000 threshold. Markets have been rattled by uncertainty over the economic future, stalling the establishment of any clear directional path.
UK’s Consumer and Job Data:
The UK’s Consumer Price Index data, following the release of job reports on Tuesday, may cause a ripple in currency markets.
Americas
US Retail Sales & Federal Reserve:
The U.S. retail sales data are due on Tuesday, ahead of the minutes from the Federal Reserve’s July policy meeting to be released on Wednesday, both of which could fuel market volatility.
Canada’s Inflation Figures:
Inflation data from Canada will be another pivotal point, with potential implications for the Bank of Canada’s monetary policy.
Commodities
Gold Movement:
Gold prices failed to extend gains and ended last week on a bearish note. Market watchers will be keen to see if softer U.S. inflation data might provide any relief.
Economic Calendar
Here is a detailed list of scheduled high-impact economic events for the week, with time zone customization available.
Highlights include:
- Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s policy announcements on Wednesday
- Economic sentiment data from Germany on Tuesday
- Initial Jobless Claims and Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Survey from the U.S. on Thursday
- Retail Sales data from the UK on Friday
Conclusion
Investors and market participants will have a slew of economic data and policy announcements to digest in the coming week. Amid a backdrop of inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty, the markets may provide both opportunities and challenges for traders, especially in the currency and commodities sectors. The ability to respond to this information quickly and accurately may define success in the week to come.
