In the week ahead, Japan is to release what will be closely watched data on fourth quarter economic growth. China is to produce preliminary data on manufacturing activity, while euro zone data on private sector output, U.K. employment data and a U.S. inflation report will also be in focus.
Monday, February 17
Japan is to release preliminary data on fourth quarter gross domestic product, the broadest indicator of economic activity and the leading indicator of economic growth. Australia is to publish data on new vehicle sales. In the euro zone, the eurogroup of finance ministers is to hold a meeting in Brussels. Markets in the U.S. are to remain closed for the Presidents Day holiday.
Tuesday, February 18
The Reserve Bank of Australia is to publish the minutes of its latest policy meeting, which contain valuable insights into economic conditions from the bank’s perspective. The Bank of Japan is to announce its benchmark interest rate and publish its monetary policy statement, which outlines economic conditions and the factors affecting the bank’s decision. The announcement is to be followed by a press conference. The euro zone is to publish data on the current account. Meanwhile, the ZEW Institute is to release its closely watched report on German economic sentiment, a leading indicator of economic health. The U.K. is to release data on consumer price inflation, which accounts for the majority of overall inflation. Canada is to produce data on foreign securities purchases. The U.S. is to release data on manufacturing activity in the Empire State.
Wednesday, February 19
Australia is to publish data on the wage price index, as well as a private sector report on an index of leading economic indicators. The U.K. is to release official data on the change in the number of people unemployed and the unemployment rate, as well as data on average earnings and public sector borrowing. Meanwhile, the Bank of England is to publish the minutes of its most recent policy setting meeting. The ZEW Institute is to publish a report on economic expectations in Switzerland, a leading indicator of economic health. Canada is to release data on wholesale sales. The U.S. is to publish reports on building permits, housing starts and producer price inflation. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve is to publish the minutes of its most recent policy setting meeting.
Thursday, February 20
Japan is to publish data on the trade balance, the difference in value between imports and exports. China is to release the preliminary reading of the HSBC manufacturing index. The euro zone is to publish closely watched data on manufacturing and service sector activity, while Germany and France are to publish individual reports. Germany is also to publish data on producer price inflation. The U.K. is to produce private sector data on industrial orders. The U.S. is to release the weekly report on initial jobless claims and data on consumer price inflation. The nation is also to release data on manufacturing activity in the Philadelphia region.
Friday, February 21
The BoJ is to publish monetary policy meeting minutes. The U.K. is to produce official data on retail sales, the government measure of consumer spending, which accounts for the majority of overall economic activity, as well as data on public sector net borrowing. Canada is to publish reports on retail sales and consumer price inflation. The U.S. is to round up the week with private sector data on existing homes sales.