The upcoming week holds significant importance for financial markets, with several key economic indicators and central bank events scheduled that could impact investor sentiment and shape expectations around monetary policy.
Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of what to watch:
Monday: A quiet start to the week with no major economic releases.
Tuesday: All eyes will be on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), scheduled for release at 4:00 PM. Economists are forecasting a rise in consumer inflation, which could influence the Federal Reserve’s stance on interest rates.
Wednesday: At around 1:00 PM, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller is set to deliver a speech. Market participants will closely monitor his remarks for any hints about future monetary policy moves.
Thursday: Arguably the most important day of the week, featuring multiple critical data points:
At 4:00 PM, investors will get updates on Retail Sales, the Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index, and the Producer Price Index (PPI)—a key inflation metric.
The spotlight, however, will be on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who is scheduled to speak at 4:10 PM. Powell’s comments often carry significant weight in financial markets, and traders will be listening for clues on rate policy and the Fed’s inflation outlook.
Friday: The week ends on a quieter note with no major events on the calendar.
With CPI, PPI, and Powell’s speech all occurring in close succession, the midweek period could bring heightened market volatility and play a pivotal role in shaping expectations for the Federal Reserve’s next move. Traders and investors are advised to stay alert and watch these developments closely.