This week financial markets will be busy with central bank meetings and data releases. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), Bank of England (BoE), and Swiss National Bank (SNB) are all scheduled to meet and decide on interest rates. The RBA is expected to hold rates steady, while the BoE is unlikely to cut rates due to the upcoming election. The SNB may cut rates again. Investors will also be watching for data releases on inflation, unemployment, and GDP growth.

• RBA (Tuesday): The Reserve Bank of Australia is likely to hold rates steady at 4.35% despite upside inflation risks and slowing growth. The statement and press conference will be scrutinized for clues about future policy moves.
• BoE (Thursday): With the UK in the midst of elections, the Bank of England is unlikely to cut rates but may hint at potential cuts later in the year. Inflation data will be released just before the meeting.
• SNB (Thursday): The Swiss National Bank could surprise markets with another rate cut following their move in March. Investors will be looking for any shift in bias at the press conference.

• China: Industrial Production and Retail Sales data will shed light on the health of the world’s second-largest economy.
• United States: Retail Sales and various manufacturing indices will provide insights into consumer spending and business activity.
• United Kingdom: CPI inflation data could influence the BoE’s decision. Retail Sales data will also be released.
• Australia: Flash PMI data on Friday will provide a snapshot of business activity.
• France: Snap election updates could impact European markets.
• Other: Flash Services and Manufacturing PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) releases from several countries will gauge overall economic health.

• Monday:
  • Focus on Chinese data and the French election.
• Tuesday:
  • RBA rate decision and US Retail Sales data
• Wednesday:
  • UK CPI data (quiet day overall). US markets closed.
• Thursday:
  • Busy day with key rate decisions from the BoE, SNB, and People’s Bank of China. US data releases include weekly unemployment claims and manufacturing data.
• Friday:
  • Flash Services and Manufacturing PMI releases from various countries. UK Retail Sales and Canadian Retail Sales data round out the week.