This week: Central bankers take center stage with speeches from Fed Chair Jerome Powell and others, plus the release of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting minutes. We’ll also see crucial data releases and a rate decision from New Zealand.

• Record Highs and Pivot Points: Global stock markets are near record highs, but this week could be crucial in determining if the positive trend continues.
• Central Bank Action: Speeches from Fed Chair Jerome Powell and other central bankers, along with the release of FOMC Meeting Minutes, will be closely watched.
• Data Deluge: Important data releases include inflation figures (US PPI, CPI), retail sales (New Zealand, UK, US), and manufacturing/services PMI (Europe, US).
• New Zealand Rate Decision: The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) will announce its latest interest rate decision, potentially impacting the Kiwi dollar.

Monday:

• Early birds catch a Fed: Asian markets open with Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaking, potentially impacting currencies.
• China in focus: Later, China releases its latest Prime Loan rates.
• European markets on hold: Holidays across Europe keep things quiet.
• US talks it out: Five Fed members deliver speeches, but data releases are light.

Tuesday:

• Japan’s price pulse: Yen traders pay close attention to Japanese producer price data.
• UK jobs on display: European markets open with key UK job market figures.
• US data deluge: Producer and core producer price data kicks things off in the US, followed by another speech from Powell.

Wednesday:

• New Zealand’s rate call: Asian markets hinge on the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s rate decision.
• UK’s inflation update: European markets see UK inflation data and a Monetary Policy Report hearing.
• Fed minutes mystery: No Fed speeches, but the release of the FOMC meeting minutes could explain the silence.

Thursday:

• New Zealand retail check: Asian markets focus on New Zealand’s retail sales figures and RBNZ Governor’s testimony.
• Global PMI parade: Flash manufacturing and services data rolls in from France, Germany, the EU, UK, and US.
• US economic snapshots: Weekly jobless claims and new home sales data round out the US session.

Friday:

• Quiet Asia, busy Europe: The Asian session is slow, but the UK’s retail sales data takes center stage in London.
• Swiss franc watch: SNB Chairman Thomas Jordan’s speech could cause some volatility.
• North American numbers: Early data includes Canadian retail sales and US durable goods figures.
• Consumer sentiment check: The University of Michigan’s revised consumer sentiment and inflation expectations data wrap up the week.