In the week ahead, Tuesday’s testimony by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen to the Senate Banking Committee will be closely watched for any indication on when U.S. interest rates may start to rise. Traders will also be watching Monday’s deadline on Greece’s financial rescue package.
Monday, February 23
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. Markets in China are to remain closed for a national holiday. In Germany, the Ifo research group is to publish its report on business climate. The U.K. is to release private sector data on retail sales. Later Monday, the U.S. is to publish a report on existing home sales.
Tuesday, February 24
Markets in China are to remain closed for a national holiday. Switzerland is to publish its monthly employment report. The euro zone is to release revised data on consumer price inflation. The U.S. is to produce a private sector report on consumer confidence. Meanwhile, Fed Chair Janet Yellen is to testify on the Semiannual Monetary Policy Report before the Senate Banking Committee, in Washington.
Wednesday, February 25
Australia is to publish a report on the wage price index. China is to release the preliminary reading of the HSBC manufacturing index. The U.S. is to release data on new home sales. Later in the trading day, New Zealand is to produce figures on the trade balance.
Thursday, February 26
Australia is to publish a report on private capital expenditure. In Germany, the Gfk group is to publish a report on consumer climate. Germany is also to release official employment figures. The euro zone is to report on M3 money supply and private loans. Both the U.S. and Canada are to release reports on the consumer price index. The U.S. is also to release data on initial jobless claims and durable goods orders.
Friday, February 27
Japan is to release a string of data, including reports on household spending, inflation, retail sales and industrial production. New Zealand is to release a private sector report on consumer confidence. In the euro zone, Germany and Spain are to release preliminary data on consumer price inflation. Switzerland is to release its KOF economic barometer. The U.K. is to release revised figures on fourth quarter economic growth, as well as preliminary data on business investment. The U.S. is to round up the week with revised data on fourth quarter growth, as well as reports on pending home sales, business activity in the Chicago region and consumer sentiment.