As we move through the final full week of February, markets face a mix of business sentiment indicators, central bank commentary, confidence surveys, consumer and production data, and inflation metrics. While the calendar is not as crowded as some weeks, the events that are scheduled still give clues about economic momentum across major economies — from sentiment and confidence to inflation pressures and labor metrics. The combination of sentiment data and speeches from central bankers will be closely watched for signals about future policy direction.
📅 Monday, 23 February 2026
European Business Sentiment
- German business climate and assessment metrics provide early insight into activity across Europe, including expectations for growth and conditions.
US Factory Orders (Dec)
- Measures change in manufacturers’ new orders — often watched as a signal for production trends.
Foreign Rates and Holidays
- Japan observes the Emperor’s Birthday holiday; markets may be quieter.
- China marks the final day of the Lunar New Year holiday.
Other Observations
- Less volatility expected out of Asia due to regional public holidays.
- Central bank speeches and commentary remain a backdrop for global rate expectations.
📅 Tuesday, 24 February 2026
China Monetary Policy
- The People’s Bank of China announces the Loan Prime Rates (1Y & 5Y) — key benchmarks influencing borrowing costs and currency sentiment.
US Consumer Confidence Index
- Monthly survey assessing households’ outlook on business conditions, income, and spending — a useful barometer of consumption trends.
US Housing Price Metrics
- Home price and housing price index data provide insight into the property market’s current momentum.
Other Highlights
- Official speeches by Federal Reserve officials may continue to shape views of US policy direction.
📅 Wednesday, 25 February2026
Japanese Corporate Prices
- Japan’s corporate service price index offers an early look at pricing pressures beyond the headline consumer figures.
Australia Inflation (CPI, Jan)
- Monthly and core inflation reads from Australia give clues about domestic price trends and whether the central bank may adjust policy.
European Inflation and Activity
- Germany GDP (final)
- Final release clarifies economic growth in Europe’s largest economy.
- Eurozone CPI (final)
- Price pressures across the euro area, both headline and core, influence euro currency dynamics.
Consumer Climate
- Germany’s consumer outlook adds context to broader European demand trends
📅 Thursday, 26 February 2026
Eurozone Money Supply & Confidence
- M3 money supply figures and confidence measures provide a macro snapshot of spending, savings, and credit trends.
South African PPI
- Wholesale inflation data gives early direction on broader price pressures in Africa’s largest economy.
Labor and Regional Employment
- Mexico jobless rate reveals labor market trends that could influence Mexican peso sentiment.
US Weekly Jobless Claims
- Initial and continuing claims are key weekly labor market indicators for the US economy.
Toronto Consumer and Trade Metrics
- Canada’s current account data helps gauge the external sector’s performance on the loonie.
Japan CPI (Tokyo) & Activity Metrics
- Regional price trends and industrial production/retail sales preview the national inflation picture.
📅Friday, 27 February 2026
European Price and Activity Data
- German import price readings show cost pressures entering the economy.
- French GDP and consumer spending provide early views on activity in a key European economy.
- Preliminary CPI figures from France and Spain act as early euro-area price signals.
German Labor Market
- Unemployment change and rate data show labor market health in Europe’s largest economy.
LatAm and Emerging Market Metrics
- Brazil mid-month CPI and jobless rate reveal inflation and labor conditions in Latin America’s largest economy.
- Chile Unemployment & Retail Sales inform broader regional economic sentiment.
Mexico Trade Balance
- Trade figures from Mexico indicate external demand and FX flow influences.
📌 Key Themes for the Week
- Sentiment & Confidence
Data such as consumer confidence and business climate surveys across major economies could shape expectations for spending and investment. - Inflation Signals
While headline inflation sets broader expectations, regional and preliminary price metrics from Japan, Australia, and Europe offer early indications of price momentum. - Labor Market Signals
Weekly jobless claims and unemployment figures help portray labor market strength and inform central bank assessments. - Central Bank Direction
Several speeches from Federal Reserve and European officials will continue to be scrutinized for forward guidance on rate policy and economic outlook.
