In the week ahead, investors will be looking ahead to Friday’s U.S. data on retail sales and consumer sentiment for further indications on the strength of the economic recovery. Testimony on inflation by Bank of England officials on Wednesday and the outcome of a rate review by New Zealand’s central bank on Thursday will also be in focus.
Monday, September 8
Japan is to release data on the current account as well as final data on second quarter economic growth. Markets in China are to remain closed for a national holiday; however the country is to release data on the trade balance, the difference in value between imports and exports. In the euro zone, Germany is to release a report on the trade balance. Elsewhere in Europe, Switzerland is to produce data on consumer price inflation, which accounts for a majority of overall inflation. Later Monday, Canada is to release data on building permits.
Tuesday, September 9
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. Japan is also to release data on tertiary industry activity. Australia is to release private sector data on business confidence as well as a report on home loans. The U.K. is to produce data on industrial and manufacturing production and a report on the trade balance. Meanwhile, Bank of England Governor Mark Carney is to speak at an event in Manchester; his comments will be closely watched. Canada is to release a report on housing starts.
Wednesday, September 10
Japan is to release data on core machinery orders. Australia is to release a private sector report on consumer sentiment. BoE Governor Mark Carney and several monetary policy committee members are to testify on inflation and the economic outlook before Parliament’s Treasury committee.
Thursday, September 11
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is to announce its benchmark interest rate and publish its rate statement, which outlines economic conditions and the factors affecting the monetary policy decision. The bank is also to hold a press conference to discuss the monetary policy decision. Australia is to release a report on the change in the number of people employed and the unemployment rate. China is to release data on consumer price inflation. The U.S. is to produce the weekly report on initial jobless claims.
Friday, September 12
BoJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda is to speak at an event in Tokyo; his comments will be closely watched. The euro zone is to release data on industrial production. The U.S. is to release data on retail sales, the government measure of consumer spending, which accounts for the majority of overall economic activity. The U.S. is also to release what will be closely watched preliminary data on consumer sentiment.