As we enter another dynamic trading week, market participants will find themselves shifting their focus beyond the United States. While U.S. traders will still keep an eye on geopolitical developments, economic data from the world’s largest economy remains relatively sparse. Aside from the Federal Reserve’s Meeting Minutes, there are few major events from the central bank, allowing traders to explore opportunities in other global markets.
With this in mind, market participants will turn their attention to other major economies, particularly those with key policy updates and data releases. Foreign exchange traders may seek opportunities beyond the US dollar, while commodity currencies could experience notable volatility due to interest rate decisions from the Antipodean central banks and crucial economic data from Canada.
Below is a structured day-by-day breakdown of the major risk events for the week ahead:
Monday, 17 February 2025
- A relatively quiet start to the week, with limited economic data scheduled.
- U.S. and Canadian markets observe key holidays, leading to reduced trading volumes.
- Investors may focus on geopolitical developments and any unexpected headlines impacting global sentiment.
Tuesday, 18 February 2025
- Asian Session:
- The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announces its interest rate decision, a pivotal event for AUD traders.
- European Session:
- The United Kingdom releases crucial employment data, which could influence Bank of England (BoE) policy expectations.
- A scheduled speech by BoE Governor Andrew Bailey may provide further market-moving insights.
- North American Session:
- Canada publishes its Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures, a key inflation indicator for the Bank of Canada (BoC).
- U.S. economic calendar remains light, with broader market sentiment likely driving trading.
Wednesday, 19 February 2025
- Asian Session:
- Australia reports wage price data, a crucial input for RBA policy considerations.
- The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) announces its latest interest rate decision, which could impact NZD valuations.
- European Session:
- The United Kingdom releases Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) data, providing fresh inflation insights.
- North American Session:
- The U.S. remains relatively quiet until the release of the Federal Reserve’s Meeting Minutes, which could offer clues on future monetary policy direction.
Thursday, 20 February 2025
- Asian Session:
- Australia remains in focus with the release of employment data, a significant driver of market expectations for RBA policy.
- China publishes its Loan Prime Rate updates, which could impact risk sentiment across Asian markets.
- European Session:
- A relatively quiet session, with limited major economic releases.
- North American Session:
- Key U.S. data releases include:
- Weekly unemployment claims, providing insight into labor market conditions.
- The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index, a gauge of economic activity in the manufacturing sector.
- Weekly crude oil inventory report, influencing energy market dynamics.
- Key U.S. data releases include:
Friday, 21 February 2025
- Asian Session:
- Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Michele Bullock delivers a scheduled speech, which could impact AUD sentiment.
- European Session:
- Flash Manufacturing and Services PMI figures are released across several major economies, including:
- United Kingdom
- European Union
- Germany
- France
- Flash Manufacturing and Services PMI figures are released across several major economies, including:
- North American Session:
- Canada releases retail sales data, an important measure of consumer spending trends.
- The U.S. economic calendar includes:
- Existing home sales data, reflecting housing market conditions.
- The revised University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment and Inflation Expectations report, providing insights into consumer confidence and inflationary pressures.
The week ahead presents a diverse range of economic events, with Australia and New Zealand taking center stage in the early sessions, followed by key data from the UK, Canada, and the US. While the Federal Reserve’s Meeting Minutes will be a focal point for US traders, global currency and commodity markets are likely to experience significant movement driven by central bank decisions and inflation reports from multiple regions.
