In the week ahead, investors will be focusing on Friday’s preliminary data on fourth quarter growth, while the latest euro zone inflation data is also due out on Friday. Wednesday’s Federal Reserve monetary policy statement will be closely watched, while New Zealand’s central bank is also to hold a policy meeting.
Monday, January 26
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 publish data on the trade balance. In Germany, the Ifo research group is to publish its report on business climate. The U.K. is to release private sector data on mortgage approvals.
Tuesday, January 27
New Zealand is to publish private sector data on business confidence. The U.K. is to publish preliminary data on gross domestic product, the broadest indicator of economic activity and the leading measure of the economy’s health. The U.S. is to release data on durable goods orders, as well as private sector reports on consumer confidence and new home sales.
Wednesday, January 28
Australia is to produce data on consumer inflation, which accounts for the majority of overall inflation. In the euro zone, the Gfk Institute is to report on German consumer climate. The Federal Reserve is to announce its benchmark interest rate and publish its rate statement, which outlines economic conditions and the factors affecting the monetary policy decision. Later in the day, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand is to announce its benchmark interest rate and publish its rate statement. The country is also to release data on the trade balance.
Thursday, January 29
Japan is to publish data on retail sales, the government measure of consumer spending, which accounts for the majority of overall economic activity. Australia is to publish a report on import prices. The U.K. is to publish private sector reports on house price inflation and retail sales. In the euro zone, Germany is to release preliminary data on consumer inflation and a report on the change in the number of people unemployed. Later Thursday, the U.S. is to publish the weekly report on initial jobless claims as well as private sector data on pending home sales.
Friday, January 30
Japan is to release a string of data, including reports on household spending and inflation and preliminary data on industrial production. Australia is to publish data on producer price inflation. The euro zone is to release preliminary data on inflation as well as a report on the unemployment rate. Germany is to report on retail sales, while Spain is to release preliminary data on GDP growth and inflation. Switzerland is to publish its KOF economic barometer. The U.K. is to release data on net lending. Canada is to publish its monthly GDP report.
The U.S. is to round up the week with preliminary data on fourth quarter growth as well as reports on business activity in the Chicago region and revised data on consumer sentiment.