In the week ahead, investors will be looking ahead to Wednesday’s minutes of the Federal Reserve’s most recent meeting, while US data on initial jobless claims and the housing sector will also be closely watched. Manufacturing data from China and service and manufacturing data out of the euro zone will also be in focus.
Monday, August 19
Japan is to release data on the trade balance, the difference in value between imports and exports. Australia is to publish data on new vehicle sales, a leading indicator of consumer confidence. In the euro zone, Spain is to hold an auction of 10-year government bonds.
Tuesday, August 20
The Reserve Bank of Australia is to release the minutes of its latest policy meeting, which contain valuable insights into economic conditions from the bank’s perspective. New Zealand is to release data on inflation expectations. Germany is to produce data on producer price inflation, a leading indicator of consumer inflation. Later Tuesday, Canada is to publish data on wholesale sales, an important indicator of consumer spending.
Wednesday, August 21
The UK is to release a report on public sector net borrowing, as well as private sector data on industrial order expectations. The US is to publish private sector data on existing home sales, a leading indicator of economic health. In addition the Federal Reserve is to publish the minutes of its most recent policy setting meeting.
Thursday, August 22
Australia is to publish an index of leading economic indicators. Elsewhere, China is to publish its closely watched HSBC manufacturing PMI. The euro zone is to release preliminary data on manufacturing and service sector activity in the region, while Germany and France are to release individual reports. Canada is to produce data on retail sales, the government measure of consumer spending, which accounts for the majority of overall economic activity. The US is to release the weekly government report on initial jobless claims.
Friday, August 23
The UK is to release revised data on second quarter gross domestic product, as well as private sector data on mortgage approvals. Canada is to publish data on consumer price inflation, which accounts for the majority of overall inflation. The US is to round up the week with data on new home sales, a leading indicator of economic health.