Global markets continued their strong performance, pricing in a soft landing for the U.S. economy with expectations of further Fed rate cuts. China’s stimulus package also lifted Asian markets. In the U.S., the Dow hit a new high by week’s end.

A volatile week is expected ahead, with potential market shifts from the opening bell on Monday due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Key data releases, especially U.S. jobs reports and central bank speeches, will drive market movements throughout the week.

Monday:

• Potential market gaps due to Middle East tensions.
• Chinese Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing PMI reports.
• Germany’s CPI figures throughout the day.
• Central bank updates, culminating in a speech by Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

Tuesday:

• NZIER Business Confidence data from New Zealand.
• Australian Retail Sales figures.
• Eurozone Flash CPI Estimates.
• U.S. JOLTS Job Openings report and ISM Manufacturing PMI data.

Wednesday:

• Quiet start to global trading.
• U.S. ADP Non-Farm Employment figures.
• Weekly U.S. Crude Oil inventory report.

Thursday:

• Switzerland’s CPI figures at the European open.
• U.S. Weekly Unemployment Claims.
• U.S. ISM Services PMI.

Friday:

• Key U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls data.
• UK Construction data.
• Canadian Ivey PMI report, with a focus likely remaining on U.S. employment numbers.