In the week ahead, investors will be awaiting the outcome of Wednesday’s Federal Reserve policy meeting for further clarification on when interest rates might start to rise. Japan’s central bank is also to hold a policy setting meeting next week. The euro zone is to produce what will be closely watched reports on private sector activity.
Monday, December 15
Japan is to publish reports on the Tankan manufacturing and non-manufacturing index. Switzerland is to publish data on producer price inflation. In the euro zone, Germany’s Bundesbank is to publish its monthly report. The U.K. is to release private sector data on industrial order expectations. Later Monday, the U.S. is to release reports on manufacturing activity in the New York region and industrial production.
Tuesday, December 16
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. China is to publish the preliminary reading of its HSBC manufacturing index. In the U.K., the Bank of England is to publish its financial stability report. BoE Governor Mark Carney is to hold a press conference about the report. The U.K. is also to release data on consumer inflation, which accounts for the majority of overall inflation. The euro zone is to publish preliminary data on private sector activity, while Germany and France are to also to publish data on private sector growth. The ZEW Institute is to release its closely watched report on German economic sentiment, a leading indicator of economic health. Canada is to produce data on manufacturing sales and foreign securities purchases. The U.S. is to publish reports on building permits and housing starts. Later in the day, New Zealand is to release data on its current account.
Wednesday, December 17
Japan is to publish a report on its trade balance. The U.K. is to release data on the change in the number of people employed, the unemployment rate and average earnings. In addition, the BoE is to publish the minutes of its latest policy meeting. The euro zone is to produce revised data on consumer price inflation. Canada is to publish a report on wholesale sales. The U.S. is to release data on consumer inflation and the current account. Later Wednesday, the Federal Reserve is to publish its rate statement and economic projections for the next two years. Fed Chair Janet Yellen is to hold what will be a closely watched press conference. New Zealand is to release data on gross domestic product, the broadest indicator of economic activity and the leading measure of the economy’s health.
Thursday, December 18
Switzerland is to report on its trade balance. The Ifo Institute is to release a report on German business climate. The U.K. 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 to release data on initial jobless claims and manufacturing activity in the Philadelphia region.
Friday, December 19
New Zealand is to release private sector data on business confidence. The Bank of Japan 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 will hold a press conference following the announcement. Germany is to release a report by Gfk on consumer climate. The U.K. is to release data on public sector net borrowing, as well as a private sector report on retail sales. Canada is to round up the week with reports on retail sales and consumer inflation.