In the week ahead, investors will be closely watching U.S. data on retail sales, inflation and consumer sentiment, as well as speeches by two Federal Reserve officials on Tuesday. U.K. data on retail sales and inflation will also be in focus.
Monday, January 13
Australia is to publish data on the number of new home loans granted, a strong indicator of demand in the housing market. The Bank of Canada is to release its quarterly business outlook survey, a leading indicator of economic health. Later Monday, New Zealand is to release private sector data on business confidence.
Tuesday, January 14
Japan is to produce data on the current account. The U.K. is to release data on consumer price inflation, which accounts for the majority of overall inflation. The euro zone is to publish data on industrial production, a leading indicator of economic health. The U.S. is to produce data on retail sales, the government measure of consumer spending, which accounts for the majority of overall economic activity. The nation is also to release data on import prices and business inventories. Also Tuesday, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia President Charles Plosser and Dallas Fed President Richard Fisher are to speak.
Wednesday, January 15
Australia is to publish data on new vehicle sales, a leading indicator of consumer confidence. Switzerland is to produce data on retail sales. The U.S. is to release data on producer price inflation and a report on manufacturing activity in the New York region.
Thursday, January 16
Japan is to release data on core machinery orders and tertiary industry activity. Australia is to publish data on the change in the number of people employed and the unemployment rate, as well as a private sector report on inflation expectations. The euro zone is to release data on consumer inflation, while Spain is to hold an auction of 10-year sovereign bonds. Canada is to release data on foreign securities purchases. The U.S. is to publish reports on consumer price inflation and initial jobless claims, in addition to data on manufacturing activity in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is to speak at an event in Washington.
Friday, January 17
Switzerland is to publish data on producer price inflation. The U.K. is to release data on retail sales. The U.S. is to wrap up the week with the closely watched preliminary reading of the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index. The U.S. is also to release data on building permits, housing starts and industrial production.