In the week ahead trading volumes are expected to remain light due to the Christmas holiday and as many traders already closed books to lock in profit before the end of the year, reducing liquidity in the market and increasing the volatility. Meanwhile, the U.S. is to release key reports on durable goods orders, new home sales and jobless claims.
Monday, December 23
Markets in Japan will remain closed in observance of the Emperor’s Birthday. The U.S. is to produce government data on personal spending and expenditure, while the University of Michigan is to release revised data on consumer sentiment and inflation expectations. Meanwhile, Canada is to release monthly data on gross domestic product, the broadest indicator of economic activity and the leading measure of the economy’s health.
Tuesday, December 24
Markets in Germany will remain closed in observance of Christmas Eve, while France is to release data on consumer spending. The U.S. is to release data on durable goods orders, a leading indicator of production, as well as a report on new home sales.
Wednesday, December 25
Markets in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the U.K., Switzerland, Canada and the U.S. will remain closed for the Christmas Day holiday.
Thursday, December 26
Markets in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the U.K. and Canada will remain closed in observance of Boxing Day. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan is to publish the minutes of its latest policy meeting, which contain valuable insights into economic conditions from the bank’s perspective. Later in the day, the Labor Department is to release the weekly report on initial jobless claims.
Friday, December 27
Japan is to release a series of data, including reports on household spending, inflation, retail sales and industrial production. Meanwhile, the U.S. is to round up the week with a report on crude oil supplies.