In the week ahead, investors will be focusing on Thursday’s outcome of the ECB’s policy meeting and the banks post policy meeting press conference will be closely watched. Meanwhile, China is to release data on economic growth while the Bank of Japan and the Bank of Canada are also to hold monetary policy meetings.
Monday, January 19
Switzerland is to release data on producer price inflation. In the euro zone, Germany’s Bundesbank is to publish its monthly report. U.S. markets will remain closed for the Martin Luther King Day holiday.
Tuesday, January 20
China is to release data on gross domestic product, the broadest indicator of economic activity and the leading indicator of economic growth. The country is also to report on fixed asset investment, industrial production and retail sales. The ZEW Institute is to release its closely watched report on German economic sentiment, a leading indicator of economic health. Canada is to publish data on manufacturing sales. Later in the day, New Zealand is to release data on consumer price inflation.
Wednesday, January 21
Australia is to release private sector data on consumer sentiment. 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. The U.K. is to release its monthly employment report, as well as data on average earnings. Also Wednesday, the Bank of England is to publish its monthly meeting minutes. The U.S. is to release data on building permits and housing starts. The Bank of Canada is to announce its benchmark interest rate and hold a press conference to discuss the monetary policy decision. Meanwhile, Canada is to report on wholesale sales.
Thursday, January 22
Spain is to release data on the unemployment rate. The ECB is to announce its benchmark interest rate. The rate announcement will be followed by a post-policy meeting press conference with President Mario Draghi. The U.S. is to release data on initial jobless claims.
Friday, January 23
China is to publish the preliminary reading of its HSBC manufacturing index. 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 U.K. is to release data on retail sales, the government measure of consumer spending, which accounts for the majority of overall economic activity. Later in the day, Canada is to produce data on retail sales and consumer inflation. The U.S. is to round up the week with preliminary data on manufacturing activity and a private sector report on existing home sales.