Last week, market participants closely watched US inflation data, including the CPI and PPI. Meanwhile, the US president issued threats against Cuba and Colombia, commented on buying Greenland, and addressed events in Iran. These developments followed the unprecedented detention and extradition of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to the US earlier in the month.
In the upcoming week of January 19–25, 2026, markets will focus on key macroeconomic data from China, Canada, the UK, the US, the Eurozone, Germany, New Zealand, and Australia, along with interest rate decisions from the central banks of China and Japan. Additionally, statements from Trump and updates on the Federal Reserve and Chairman Jerome Powell will be monitored.
Note: During the coming week, new events may be added to the calendar, and/or some scheduled events may be canceled. GMT time
The article covers the following subjects:
Major Takeaways
- Monday: China’s GDP for Q4 and other macroeconomic data, Canada’s CPI.
- Tuesday: The People’s Bank of China’s interest rate decision, UK labor market report, Euro Area Bank Lending Survey, and New Zealand’s CPI.
- Wednesday: UK CPI release.
- Thursday: Australian labor market report, preliminary PMI (S&P Global) from Germany, the Eurozone, and the UK, US annual GDP for Q3, and US PCE index.
- Friday: Bank of Japan’s interest rate decision, UK retail sales, US preliminary PMI (S&P Global).
- Key event of the week: PCE index figures from the US.
Monday, January 19
The US will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As a result, banks and stock exchanges across the country will be closed, and trading volumes will be lower than usual.
02:00 – CNY: Industrial Production. Retail Sales. China’s GDP for Q4.
The National Bureau of Statistics of China’s report on industrial production shows the output of Chinese industrial enterprises, such as factories and manufacturing facilities. The increase in industrial production is a positive factor for the yuan, indirectly signaling the possibility of accelerating inflation, which may force the People’s Bank of China to tighten monetary policy.
Conversely, the decline in the indicator value may negatively impact the yuan.
Previous values YoY: +4.8%, +4.9%, +6.5%, +5.2%,+5.8%, +5.9%, +6.2% in January 2025, +5.4%, +5.3%, +5.4%, +4.5%, +5.1%, +5.3%, +5.6%, +6.7%, +4.5%, +7.0%, +6.8%, +6.6%, +4.5%, +3.7%, +4.4%, +3.5%, +5.6%, +3.9%, +2.4% in February 2023.
The retail sales level index, published monthly by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, gauges the change in the aggregate value of sales at the retail level across the country. The index is often viewed as an indicator of consumer confidence and economic prosperity and reflects the state of the retail sector in the near term. An increase in the index value is usually positive for the yuan, while a decrease in the index value will affect it negatively. Previous values YoY: +1.3%, +2.9%, +3.0%, +3.4%, +6.4%, +4.0%, +3.7% in January 2025, +3.0%, +4.8%, +3.2%, +2.1%, +2.7%, +2.0%, +3.7%, +2.3%, +3.1%, +5.5%, +7.4%, +10.1%, +4.6%, +2.5%, +3.1%, +12.7%, +18.4%, +10.6%, +3.5%, -1.8%, -5.9% after +8% in the last months of 2019 and -20.5% in February 2020.
The data indicate that this sector of the Chinese economy continues to recover after a strong decline in February and March 2020. If the data prove weaker than the forecasted or previous values, the yuan may experience a decline, potentially a sharp one.
China is a major buyer of commodities and a supplier of a wide range of finished goods to the global commodity market. Since China’s economy is the second largest in the world, the release of its significant macroeconomic indicators can profoundly influence the overall financial market.
Besides, China is the largest trading partner of Australia and New Zealand, purchasing a significant amount of commodities from these countries.
Therefore, positive macro statistics from China may also exert a positive influence on these commodity currencies. Conversely, if the anticipated data indicates a deceleration in one of the world’s largest economies, it would be a detrimental factor for global stock markets and commodity currencies.
The National Bureau of Statistics of China will release the GDP growth data for Q4 2025.
China’s GDP is expected to grow again in Q4 2025 after +1.1% (4.8% YoY) in Q3, +1.1% (+5.2% YoY) in Q2 2025, +1.2% (+5.4% YoY) in Q1 2025, +1.6% (+5.4% YoY) in Q4 2024, +1.3% (+4.6% YoY) in Q3, +0.7% (+4.7% YoY) in Q2 2024, +1.6% (+5.3% YoY) in Q1 2024, +1.0% (+5.2% YoY) in Q4 2023, +1.3% (+4.9% YoY) in Q3 2023, +0.8% (+6.3% YoY) in Q2 2023, +2.2% (+4.5%YoY) in Q1, 0% (+2.9% YoY) in Q4 2022, +3.9% (+3.9 YoY) in Q3, -2.6% (+0.4% YoY) in Q2, +1.3% (+4.8% YoY) in Q1 2022, +1.6% (+4.0% YoY) in Q4, +0.2% (+4.9% YoY) in Q3, +1.3% (+7.9% YoY) in Q2 and +0.6% (+18.3% YoY) in Q1 2021.
An increase in the indicator is a positive factor for the yuan. Conversely, a decline in the indicator may negatively affect the yuan, as well as currencies in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly the Australian and New Zealand dollars.
13:30 – CAD: Canada’s Consumer Price Indexes
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) reflects the retail price trends of a selected basket of goods and services. Meanwhile, the Core CPI excludes fruits, vegetables, gasoline, fuel oil, natural gas, mortgage interest, intercity transportation, and tobacco products. The inflation target for the Bank of Canada ranges between 1% and 3%. A higher CPI reading is a sign of a rate hike and is positive for the Canadian dollar.
Previous values:
- CPI: +0.1% (+2.2% YoY), 0.2% (+2.2% YoY), +0.1% (+2.4% YoY), -0.1% (+1.9% YoY), +0.3% (+1.7% YoY), +0.1% (+1.9% YoY), +0.6% (+1.7% YoY), -0.1% (+1.7% YoY) in April, +0.3% (+2.3% YoY) in March, +1.1% (+2.6% YoY) in February, +0.1% (+1.9% YoY) in January 2025, -0.4% (+1.8% YoY) in December 2024, 0% (+1.9% YoY), +0.4% (+2.0% YoY), -0.4% (+1.6% YoY),-0.2% (+2.0% YoY), +0.4% (+2.5% YoY), -0.1% (+2.7% YoY), +0.6% (+2.9% YoY), +0.5% (+2.7% YoY), +0.6% (+2.9% YoY), +0.6% (+2.9% YoY), +0.3% (+2.8% YoY), 0% (+2.9% YoY), -0.3% (+3.4% YoY), +0.1% (+3.1% YoY), +0.1% (+3.1% YoY), -0.1% (+3.8% YoY), +0.4% (+4.0% YoY), +0.6% (+3.3% YoY), +0.1% (+2.8% YoY);
- Core CPI released by the Bank of Canada: +0.2% (+2.9% YoY), +0.6% (+2.9% YoY), +0.3% (+2.8% YoY), 0% (+2.6% YoY), +0.1% (+2.6% YoY), +0.1% (+2.7% YoY), +0.6% (+2.5% YoY), +0.5% (+2.5% YoY) in April, -0.2% (+2.2% YoY) in March, +0.7% (+2.7% YoY) in February, +0.4% (+2.1% YoY) in January 2025, +0.3% (+1.8% YoY) in December 2024, -0.1% (+1.6% YoY), +0.4% (+1.7% YoY), 0% (+1.6% YoY), -0.1% (+1.5% YoY), +0.3% (+1.7% YoY), -0.1% (+1.9% YoY), +0.6% (+1.8% YoY), +0.2% (+1.6% YoY), +0.5% (+2.0% YoY), +0.1% (+2.1% YoY), +0.1% (+2, 4% YoY), -0.5% (+2.6% YoY), +0.1% (+2.8% YoY), +0.3% (+2.7% YoY), -0.1% (+2.8% YoY), +0.1% (+3.3% YoY), +0.5% (+3.2% YoY), -0.1% (+3.2% YoY).
The data suggests that inflation continues to decelerate, which prompts the Canadian central bank to consider implementing a dovish monetary policy. If the expected data is worse than the previous values, it will negatively affect the Canadian dollar, but if the data exceeds expectations, it will bolster the currency.
Tuesday, January 20
01:15 – CNY: People’s Bank of China Interest Rate Decision
Since May 2012, the People’s Bank of China has been lowering its interest rate to support Chinese manufacturers. Last time, the bank reduced the rate in May 2025 after a long pause, bringing the rate down by 0.1% to its current level of 3.00%.
What will the Chinese central bank do this time after pausing? The People’s Bank of China will likely keep the interest rate unchanged at 3.00% at this meeting, although other decisions are also possible.
Should the People’s Bank of China make statements that deviate from expectations, volatility may increase across the entire financial market, particularly in the Asian market. Investors will closely watch the bank’s assessment of the Chinese economy’s prospects and its policy stance in the short term.
07:00 – GBP: Average Weekly Earnings Over the Last Three Months. Unemployment Rate
The UK Office for National Statistics publishes a report on average weekly earnings covering the period for the last three months, including and excluding bonuses.
This report is a key short-term indicator of employee average earnings changes in the UK. An increase in wages is positive for the British pound, whereas a low indicator value is unfavorable. Forecast: The January report suggests that average earnings, including bonuses, rose again over the last three months (September-November) after gaining +4.7%, +4.8%, +5.0%, +4.7%, +4.6%, +5.0%, +5.3%, +5.5%, +5.6%, +5.9%, +6.0%, +5.6%, +5.2%, +4.3%, +3.8%, +4.0%, +4.5%, +5.7%, +5.9%, +5.7%, +5.6%, +5.6%, +5.8%, +6.5%, +7.2%, +7.9%, +8.1%, +8.5%, +8.2%, +6.9%, +6.5%, +5.8%, +5.9%, +6.0%, +6.5%, +6.%, +6.1%, +5.5%, +5.2%, +6.4%, +6.8%, +7.0%, +5.6%, +5.7%, +4.8%, +4.3%, +4.2% in previous periods). Average earnings excluding bonuses likewise increased after gaining +4.6%, +4.6%, +4.7%, +4.8%, +5.0%, +5.0%, +5.2%, +5.6%, +5.9%, +5.8%, +5.9%, +5.6%, +5.2%, +4.8%, +4.9%, +5.1%, +5.4%, +6.0%, +6.0%, +6.0%, +6.1%, +6.2%, +6.6%, +7.3%, +7.7%, +7.8%, +7.8%, +7.8%, +7.3%, +7.2%, +6.7%, +6.6%, +6.6%, +6.7%, +6.5%, +6.1%, +5.8%, +5.5%, +5.2%, +4.7%, +4.4%, +4.2%, +4.2%, +4.1%, +3.8%, +3.7%, +3.8% in previous periods). These figures show continued growth in employee earnings levels, which is favorable for the pound. If the figures turn out to be better than the forecast and/or previous values, the currency will likely strengthen. If the data falls short of expectations, the pound will likely weaken.
The UK unemployment data will be released at the same time. Unemployment is expected to stand at 5.1% for September, October, and November (against 5.1%, 5.0%, 4.8%, 4.7%, 4.7%, 4.6%, 4.6%, 4.5%, 4.4%, 4.4%, 4.4%, 4.3%, 4.3%, 4.0%, 4.1%, 4.2%, 4.4%, 4.4%, 4.3%, 4.2%, 4.0%, 3.8%, 3.9%, 4.0%, 4.1%, 4.2%, 4.3%, 4.2%, 4.0%, 3.9% in previous periods).
Since 2012, the UK unemployment rate has fallen steadily from 8.0% in September 2012. The unemployment decline is a positive factor for the pound, while its growth negatively impacts the currency.
If the UK labor market data appears to be worse than the forecast and/or the previous value, the pound will be under pressure.
Regardless, when the UK labor market data is released, the pound and the London Stock Exchange are expected to experience increased volatility.
09:00 – EUR: Euro Area Bank Lending Survey (BLS)
A survey of the bank lending system conducted by EU experts in the financial sector is carried out four times a year. The primary goal of the survey is to gather comprehensive information about the conditions of bank lending in the Eurozone.
The ECB officials use this data when making decisions on the bank’s monetary policy. This report may cause increased volatility in the euro and European stock market quotes upon its release if it contains unexpected conclusions regarding lending conditions for businesses and households in the Eurozone.
21:45 – NZD: Consumer Price Index for Q4 2025
The Consumer Price Index is a key indicator for assessing inflation, which reflects the retail price movements for a group of goods and services comprising the consumer basket. A positive reading strengthens the New Zealand dollar, while a negative one weakens it.
Previous values: +1.0% (+3.0% YoY), +0.5% (+2.2% YoY) in Q4 2024, +0.6% (+2.2% YoY) in Q3, +0.4% (+3.3% YoY) in Q2 2024, +0.6% (+4.0% YoY) in Q1 2024, +0.5% (+4.7% YoY) in Q4 2023, +1.8% (+5.6% YoY) in Q3 2023, +1.1% (+6.0% YoY) in Q2 2023. Annualized values: +6.7% in Q1 2023, +7.2% in Q4 and Q3 2022, +7.3% in Q2, +6.9% in Q1 2022, +5.9% in Q4 2021, +4.9% in Q3 2021, +3.3% in Q2 2021, +1.5% in Q1 2021.
A relative decline in the indicator readings and a value below the forecast may negatively affect the New Zealand dollar.
Wednesday, January 21
07:00 – GBP: UK Consumer Price Index. Core Consumer Price Index
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the retail prices of a group of goods and services comprising the UK consumer basket. The CPI is a key indicator of inflation. The British pound’s movement on the currency market and the London Stock Exchange FTSE 100 index performance depend on the release of the CPI data.
In November, the UK consumer inflation rose by +3.2% YoY but declined by -0.2% MoM after posting +0.4% (3.6% YoY) in October, 0% (+3.8% YoY) in September, +0.3% (+3.8% YoY) in August, +0.1% (+3.8% YoY) in July, +0.3% (+3.6% YoY) in June, +0.2% (+3.4% YoY) in May, +0.3% (+2.6% YoY) in March, +0.4% (+2.8% YoY) in February, +3.0% YoY in January 2025, +0.3% (+2.5% YoY) in December 2024, +0.1% (2.6% YoY), +0,6% (2.3% YoY) in October, 0% (+1.7%YoY) in September, +0.3% (+2.2% YoY) in August, -0.2% (+2.2% YoY) in July, +0.1% (+2.0% YoY) in June, +0.3% (+2.0% YoY) in May, +0.3% (+2, 3% YoY) in April, +0.6% (+3.2% YoY) in March, +0.6% (+3.4% YoY), -0.6% (+4.0% YoY) in January 2024, +0.4% (+4.0% YoY) in December.
The data suggests persistent inflationary pressures in the UK, which are expected to bolster the British pound, particularly if the actual data surpasses the forecasted values.
An indicator reading below the forecast/previous value may cause the weakening of the British pound since low inflation will force the Bank of England to stick to the easy monetary policy course.
The Core CPI, published by the Office for National Statistics, measures the price change in a selected basket of goods and services (excluding food and energy) over a given period. It is a key indicator for assessing inflation and changes in consumer preferences. A positive result strengthens the British pound, while a negative outcome weakens it.
In November, the core CPI posted +3.2% YoY, after +3.4% YoY in October 3.5% in September, 3.6% in August, 3.8% in July, +3.7% in June, +3.5% in May, +3.8% in April, +3.4% in March, +3.5% in February, +3.7% in January 2025, +3.2% in December 2024, +2.6% in November, +3.3% in October, +1.7% in September, +3.6% in August, +3.3% in July, +3.5% in June and May, +3.9%, +4.2%, +4.5%, +5.1% in January 2024, December and November, after rising +5.7% +6.1%, +6.2% three months earlier. The publication will likely positively impact the British pound in the short term if it exceeds the forecasted and previous values. A reading below the forecast and/or previous values may weaken the pound.
Thursday, January 22
00:30 – AUD: Employment Rate. Unemployment Rate
The employment rate reflects the monthly change in the number of employed Australian citizens. The increase in the indicator value positively impacts consumer spending, stimulating economic growth. A high reading is positive for the Australian dollar, while a low reading is negative.
Previous indicator values: -21,300 in November, +42,200 in October, +12,800 in September, -11,800 in August, +26,500 in July, +1,000 in June, -1,100 in May, +87,600 in April, +25,500 in March, -54,200 in February, +34,900 in January 2025, +60,000 in December 2024.
Besides, the Australian Bureau of Statistics will publish a report on the unemployment rate. It is an indicator that estimates the ratio of the share of the unemployed population to the total number of working-age citizens. The rise in the indicator readings demonstrates the weakening of the labor market, negatively impacting the national economy. A decrease in the indicator is positive for the Australian dollar.
Forecast: Australian unemployment has remained at its lowest levels and stood at 4.3% in December (against 4.3% in November and October, 4.5% in September, 4.3% in August, 4.2% in July, 4.3% in June, 4.1% in May, April, March, February, and January 2025, 4.0% in December 2024, 3.9% in November, 4.1% in October, September, and August, 4.2% in July, 4.1% in June, 4.0% in May, 3.8% in April, 3.7% in March and February, 4.1% in January, 3.9% in December and November, 3.8% in October, 3.6% in September, 3.7% in August and July, 3.5% in June, 3.6% in May, 3.7% in April, 3.5% in March and February, 3.7% in January, 3.5% in December, 3.4% in November and October, 3.5% in September and August, 3.4% in July, 3.5% in June, 3.9% in May and April, 4.0% in March and February, 4.2% in January), while the employment rate has increased.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has repeatedly stated that the Australian economy and the central bank’s plans are influenced by key indicators like the level of household debt and spending, wage growth, and the state of the labor market, in addition to the international trade situation. If the indicator readings are lower than expected, the Australian dollar may decline significantly in the short term, while higher data will strengthen the currency.
08:30 – EUR: Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers’ Indexes of the German Economy by S&P Global. Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index of the German Economy by S&P Global (Preliminary Release)
The manufacturing and services PMIs are important indicators of the business environment and the health of the German economy. These sectors play a significant role in Germany’s GDP. A reading above 50 indicates a positive outlook and bolsters the euro, while a reading below 50 is negative for the euro. Conversely, data worse than the forecasted and/or the previous value will prove to be negative for the euro.
Previous values:
- Manufacturing PMI: 47.0, 48.2, 49.6, 49.5, 49.8, 49.1, 49.0, 48.3, 48.4, 48.3, 46.5, 45.0, 42.5 in December 2024, 43.0, 43.0, 40.6, 42.4, 43.2, 43.5, 45.4, 42.5, 41.9, 42.5, 45.5, 43.3, 40.8, 39.6, 38.8, 40.6, 43.2, 44.5, 44.7, 46.3, 47.3, 47.1, 46.2, 45.1, 47.8, 49.1, 49.3, 52.0, 54.8, 54.6;
- Services PMI: 52.7, 53.1, 54.6, 51.5, 49.3, 50,6, 49.7, 47.1, 49.0, 50.9, 51.1, 52.5, 51.2 in December 2024, 49.3, 51.6, 50.6, 51.2, 52.5, 53.1, 54.2, 53.2, 50.1, 48.3, 47.7, 45.7, 48.2, 50.3, 52.3, 54.1, 57.2, 56.0, 53.7, 50.9, 50.7, 49.2, 46.1, 46.5, 45.0, 47.7, 49.7, 52.4, 55.0, 57.6, 56.1, 55.8;
- Composite PMI: 51.3, 52.4, 53.9, 52.0, 50.5, 50.6, 50.4, 48.5, 50.1, 51.3, 50.4, 50.5, 48.0 in December 2024, 47.2, 48.6, 47.5, 48.4, 49.1, 50.4, 52.4, 50.6, 47.7, 46.3, 47.0, 47.4, 45.9, 46.4, 48.5, 50.6, 53.9, 54.2, 52.6, 50.7, 49.9, 49.0, 46.3, 45.1, 45.7, 46.9, 48.1, 51.3, 53.7, 54.3, 55.1, 55.6.
09:00 – EUR: Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers’ Indexes. Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index of Eurozone Manufacturing Activity by S&P Global (Preliminary Release)
The Eurozone manufacturing and services PMIs are significant indicators of the European economy. Readings above 50 are positive and strengthen the euro, while readings below 50 are negative for the currency. If the figures are worse than the forecasted and/or the previous value, the euro will be affected negatively.
Previous values:
- Manufacturing PMI: 48.8, 49.6, 50.0, 49,8, 50.7, 49.8, 49.5, 49.4, 49.0, 48.6, 47.6, 46.6, 49.6 in December 2024, 45.2, 46.0, 45.0, 45.8, 45.8, 45.8, 47.3, 45.7, 46.1, 46.5, 46.6, 44.4, 43.1, 47.2, 42.7, 43.4, 44.8, 45.8, 47.3, 48.5, 48.8 in January 2023;
- Services PMI: 53.6, 52.4, 53.0, 51,3, 50.5, 51.0, 50.5, 49.7, 50.1, 51.0, 50.6, 51.3, 51.2 in December 2024, 49.5, 51.6, 51.4, 52.9, 51.9, 52.8, 53.2, 53.3, 51.5, 50.2, 48.4, 48.8, 47.8, 48.7, 50.9, 52.0, 55.1, 56.2, 55.0, 52.7, 50.8 in January 2023;
- Composite PMI: 51.5, 52.8, 52.5, 51,2, 51.0, 50.9, 50.6, 50,2, 50.1, 50.9, 50.2, 50.2, 48.0 in December 2024, 48.3, 50.0, 49.6, 51.0, 50.2, 50.9, 52.2, 51.7, 50.3, 49.2, 47.9, 47.6, 46.5, 47.2, 48.6, 52.8, 54.1, 53.7, 52.0, 50.3, 49.3 in January 2023.
09:30 – GBP: Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers’ Index. Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index of the UK Manufacturing Sector by S&P Global (Preliminary Release)
The manufacturing and services PMIs serve as a vital indicator of the UK economy’s health. The services sector employs the majority of the UK’s working-age population and contributes approximately 75% of GDP. Financial services continue to be the most important part of the services sector. If the data is worse than the forecast and the previous value, the British pound will likely experience a short-term but sharp decline. If the data exceeds the forecast and the previous value, it will have a positive impact on the currency. At the same time, a PMI reading above 50 is favorable and strengthens the British pound, while a reading below 50 is negative for the currency.
Previous values:
- Manufacturing PMI: 50.6, 50.2, 49.7, 46.2, 47.0, 48.0, 47.7, 46.4, 45.4, 44.9, 46.9, 48.3, 48.0, 49.9, 51,5, 52.5, 52.1, 50.9, 51.2, 49.1, 50.3, 47.5, 47.0, 46.2, 44.8, 44.3, 45.3, 46.5, 47.1, 47.8, 47.9, 49.3, 47.0, 45.3, 46.5, 46.2, 48.4;
- Services PMI: 51.4, 51.3, 52.3, 50.8, 54.2, 51.8, 52.8, 50.9, 49.0, 52.5, 51.0, 50.9, 51.1 in December 2024, 50.8, 52.0, 51.4, 53.7, 52.5, 52.1, 52.9, 55.0, 53.1, 53.8, 54.3, 53.4, 49.5, 49.3, 51.5, 53.7, 55.2, 55.9, 52.9, 53.5, 48.7, 49.9, 48.8, 48.8, 50.0, 50.9, 52.6;
- Composite PMI: 51.4, 51.2, 52.2, 50.1, 53.5, 51.5, 52.0, 50.3, 48.5, 51.5, 50.5, 50.6, 50.4 in December 2024, 50.5, 51.8, 49.6, 53.8, 52.8, 52.3, 53.0, 54.1, 52.8, 53.0, 52.9, 52.1, 48.7, 48.5, 50.8, 52.8, 54.0, 54.9, 52.2, 53.1, 48.5 in January 2023.
13:30 – USD: US GDP Annual Growth Rate for Q3 (Final Estimate). Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE)
The GDP data is one of the key indicators, along with labor market and inflation data, for the US Fed in terms of its monetary policy. A positive indicator reading strengthens the US dollar, while a weak GDP report is harmful for the currency. In Q2 2025, GDP posted +3.8%, after -0.5% in Q1, +2.4% in Q4 2024, +3.1% in Q3, +3.0% in Q2, +1.6% in Q1 2024, +3.2% in Q4 2023, +4.4%, +2.4% in Q2, +2.8% in Q1 2023.
If the data indicate a decline in GDP in Q3 2025, the US dollar will face significant pressure. Conversely, positive GDP figures will bolster the greenback and US stock indices.
Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data reflect the average amount of money consumers spend per month on durable goods, consumer goods, and services. The core PCE price index excludes food and energy prices. The annual core PCE is the main inflation gauge used by the US Fed as the primary inflation indicator. Quarterly data is published within a broader GDP report. This data serves as an indirect gauge of consumer spending, the main driver of the US economy.
The inflation rate, along with the labor market and GDP data, is crucial for the Fed in determining its monetary policy. Growing prices exert pressure on the central bank to tighten its policy and raise interest rates.
The PCE data above the forecasted and/or previous values may boost the US dollar, while a decline in the reading will likely exert a negative impact on the greenback.
Previous quarterly values: +2.6%, +3.5%, +2.6% in Q4 2024.
15:00 – USD: Personal Consumption Expenditures (Core PCE Price Index)
The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data reflect the average amount of money consumers spend per month on durable goods, consumer goods, and services. The core PCE price index excludes food and energy prices. The annual core PCE is the main inflation gauge used by the US Fed as the primary inflation indicator.
The inflation rate, along with the labor market and GDP data, is crucial for the Fed in determining its monetary policy. Growing prices exert pressure on the central bank to tighten its policy and raise interest rates.
The PCE data above the forecasted and/or previous values may boost the US dollar, while a decline in the reading will likely exert a negative impact on the greenback.
Previous values YoY: +2.8%, +2.9%, +2.9%, +2.8%, +2.7%, +2.6%, +2.7%, +2.9%, +2.7% in January 2025, +2.8% in December 2024, +2.8% +2.8%, +2.7%, +2.7%, +2.7%, +2.6%, +2.7%, +2.9%, +3.0%, +2.9%, +3.1% in January 2024, +2.9%, +3.2%, +3.5%, +3.7%, +3.8%, +4.3%, +4.3% +4.7%, +4.8%, +4.8%, +4.7%, +4.7%, +4.6%, +4.8%, +5.1%, +5.2%, +4.9%, +4.7%, +4.8%, +4.7%, +4.9%, +5.2%, +5.3%, +5.2% in January 2022.
Friday, January 23
Expected After 03:00 (Exact Time Not Specified) – JPY: Bank of Japan Interest Rate Decision. Bank of Japan Press Conference and Commentary on Monetary Policy
The Bank of Japan will decide on the interest rate. At the moment, the benchmark rate in Japan is 0.50%. The rate will likely remain at the same level. If the rate is cut and returns to negative values, the yen may decline sharply in the currency market, and the Japanese stock market will likely increase. Anyway, a spike of volatility in the yen and Asian financial markets is expected during this period. Since February 2016, the Bank of Japan has kept the deposit rate at -0.1% and the 10-year bond yield target around 0%.
Currently, Japan’s benchmark interest rate stands at 0.75% and is expected to remain unchanged. If the rate is lowered, the yen may weaken, while the Japanese stock market could rise. In any case, heightened volatility in the yen and across Asian financial markets is anticipated during this period.
According to analysts, if the BoJ hints at further rate hikes, the yen will receive significant support.
During the press conference, BoJ governor Kazuo Ueda will comment on the monetary policy. Despite certain tightening measures, the BoJ continues to adhere to an extra-soft monetary policy. According to former Japanese central bank governor Haruhiko Kuroda, Japan should continue its current soft monetary policy. Markets usually respond prominently to speeches by the BoJ governor. The governor will likely mention the monetary policy again during his speech, leading to increased volatility not only in the yen but also in Asian and global financial markets.
06:30 – JPY: Bank of Japan Press Conference
During the press conference, Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda will comment on the bank’s monetary policy and interest rate decision. Markets usually react noticeably to speeches of the BoJ governor. If he touches on monetary policy during his speech, volatility will rise not only in the yen but also across Asian and global financial markets.
07:00 – GBP: UK Retail Sales
The retail sales economic indicator is a key metric that tracks the level of consumer demand and significantly impacts market performance and the national currency. Additionally, it serves as an indirect indicator of inflation, making it a key concern for a country’s central bank and market participants.
The retail sales report is released by the UK Office for National Statistics. The Retail Sales change is considered to indicate the consumer spending level. High indicator values are positive for the British pound, while low readings are negative.
Previous index values YoY: +0.6%, +0.2%, +1.5%, +0.7%, +1.8%, -1.2%, +5.2%, +2.6%, +1.3%, +0.3% in January 2025, +2.2% (in December 2024), -0.7%, +0.9%, +2.3%, +1.2%, +0.5%, -1.9%, +0.6%, -2.8%, -0.7%, -0.8%, +0.1% (in January 2024).
14:45 – USD: Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers’ Index of the US Economy by S&P Global. Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (Preliminary Release)
The PMIs of the most important US economic sectors, released by S&P Global, are an important gauge of the US economic conditions. A PMI reading above 50 signals bullishness, bolstering the US dollar, whereas a reading below 50 bodes negatively for the greenback.
Previous values:
- Manufacturing PMI: 51.8, 52.2, 52.5, 52.0, 53.0, 49.8, 52.0, 52.0, 50.2, 50.2, 52.7, 51.2, 49.4 in December 2024, 49.7, 48.5, 47.6, 47.9, 49.6, 51.6, 51.3, 50.0, 51.9, 52.2, 50.7, 47.9, 50.0, 49.8, 49.0, 46.3, 48.4, 50.2, 47.3, 46.9, 46.2, 47.7, 50.4, 52.0, 51.5;
- Services PMI: 52.5, 54.1, 54.8, 54.2, 54.5, 55.7, 52.9, 53.7, 50.8, 54.4, 51.0, 52.9, 56.8 in December 2024, 56.1, 55.0, 55.2, 55.7, 55.0, 55.3, 54.8, 51.3, 51.7, 52.3, 52.5, 51.4, 50.6, 50.1, 52.3, 54.4, 54.9, 53.6, 50.6, 46.8, 44.7, 46.2, 47.8, 49.3, 43.7, 47.3, 52.7, 53.4, 55.6;
- Composite PMI: 52.7, 54.2, 54.6, 53.9, 54.6, 55.1, 52.9, 50.3, 50.6, 53.5, 51.6, 52.7, 55.4 in December 2024, 54.9, 54.1, 54.0, 54.6, 54.3, 54.8, 54.5, 51.3, 52.1, 52.5, 52.0, 50.9, 50.7, 50.2, 52.0, 53.2, 54.3, 53.4, 52.3, 50.1, 46.8 in January 2023.
Price chart of USDX in real time mode
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