Trump’s statements about introducing new restrictive tariffs are shaking up the markets. In times of such extreme uncertainty, investors are forced to turn to safe-haven assets like gold, government bonds, and the yen to protect their assets.
In the upcoming week, 17.02.2025 – 23.02.2025, market participants will focus on key macroeconomic statistics from the UK, Canada, Australia, the US, Germany, and the eurozone. Besides, the results of the Australian, New Zealand, and Chinese central banks meetings are expected.
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: no important macro statistics is scheduled.
- Tuesday: Reserve Bank of Australia meeting, UK labor market data, Canadian CPIs.
- Wednesday: Reserve Bank of New Zealand meeting, UK CPIs, FOMC minutes release.
- Thursday: Australian labor market data, People’s Bank of China meeting.
- Friday: preliminary PMIs of Germany, the eurozone, the UK, and the US by S&P Global.
- Key event of the week: FOMC minutes release.
Sunday, February 16
23:50 – JPY: Japan GDP for Q4 2024 (Preliminary Estimate)
GDP is a measure of a country’s overall economic condition, which assesses the rate of growth or decline of a country’s economy. The Gross Domestic Product report, published by the Cabinet Office of Japan, represents the total value of all final goods and services produced by Japan over a certain period in monetary terms. A rising trend in GDP is seen as positive for the yen, while a low reading is seen as negative.
In Q3 the country’s GDP stood at +0.3% (1.2% YoY), after +0.7% (2.9% YoY) in Q2, -0.5% (-1.8% YoY) in Q1 2024, 0.1% (+0.4% YoY) in Q4 2023, -0.8% (-3.2% YoY) in Q3, +1.0% (+4.2% YoY) in Q2, +1.0% (+4.0% YoY) in Q1 2023.
The data suggests a bumpy recovery for the Japanese economy after it collapsed due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
The forecast implies that Japan’s GDP rose in Q4 2024, which is positive for the yen. Readings that exceed expectations will undoubtedly bolster the yen and Japanese stock indices. Conversely, underperformance will exert pressure on them.
Monday, February 17
There are no important macro statistics scheduled to be released.
Tuesday, February 18
Banks will be closed in the US and Canada due to Presidents’ Day and Family Day celebrations. Trading volumes will be lower than usual on this day.
03:30 – AUD: Reserve Bank of Australia’s Interest Rate Decision. RBA Accompanying Statement
The Australian economy’s primary challenges include sluggish wage growth, a weak labor market, and a slowdown in growth rates.
At the December meeting, the Australian central bank decided to keep the rate at 4.35%. At the press conference, Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock stated that “rates will remain on hold for the time being.” Bullock mentioned, “Inflation is still above our target, and it’s proving to be sticky.” Besides, inflation is “above the midpoint of the 2%–3% target range”, and the Reserve Bank Board suggests that “in the near term, it does not see interest rate cuts.”
Additionally, RBA officials had previously hinted at the possibility of implementing new tightening measures in response to any signs of increasing consumer inflation.
It is hard to predict their decision this time. Nevertheless, the central bank may raise the interest rate again at this meeting.
Meanwhile, it is widely expected that the RBA leaders will once again take a pause.
In the accompanying statement, the RBA will explain the reasons for the rate decision. If the RBA signals the possibility of monetary easing in the near term, the risks of the Australian dollar depreciating will increase. Conversely, the hawkish rhetoric of the RBA’s accompanying statement may lead to a strengthening of the Australian dollar.
04:30 – AUD: RBA Press Conference
Michele Bullock will assess the current state of Australia’s economy and outline her department’s monetary policy plans. Market participants anticipate her insights on the central bank’s policies amid global recessionary trends and elevated inflation levels in Australia.
Any signals regarding her plans to adjust the RBA’s monetary policy parameters will cause a volatility surge in the Australian currency and stock market. If the Australian Central Bank Governor avoids discussing monetary policy, the market response will be muted.
07:00 – GBP: Average Weekly Earnings Over the Last Three Months. Unemployment Rate
The UK Office for National Statistics monthly 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 February report suggests that average earnings, including bonuses, rose again in the last three months, including October, November, and December, after gaining +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. The earnings value excluding bonuses also increased with percentages at +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%, +7.8%, +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 positive for the British pound. If the data outperforms the forecast and/or previous values, the pound will likely strengthen in the currency exchange market. Conversely, if the data falls short of the forecast/previous values, the pound will be negatively affected.
The UK unemployment data will be released at the same time. Unemployment is expected to stand at 4.4% for the three months of October, November, and December (against 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.
13:30 – CAD: Canadian 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: -0.4% (+1.8% YoY), 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: +0.3% (+1.8% YoY), -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.
Wednesday, February 19
01:00 – NZD: Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s Interest Rate Decision. RBNZ Accompanying Statement
The RBNZ’s current interest rate stands at 4.25%. Earlier, the central bank stated that the economy no longer needs the present level of monetary stimulus.
In August 2024, the RBNZ decided to lower the interest rate to 5.25%, cutting it by 0.25% after pausing for eight meetings. The bank then made further cuts in October and November, each time reducing the rate by 0.50%.
Economists expect New Zealand’s borrowing costs to fall further amid a sustained slowdown in inflation and a volatile labor market.
The New Zealand currency faced significant pressure after the RBNZ opted to cut the interest rate by 0.50%. The accompanying statement revealed that the decision was made given expectations of a further drop in inflation, which is gradually returning to the target range of 1.0%–3.0%. Inflation expectations have also decreased.
At this meeting, the RBNZ may either reduce the interest rate again, advocating for further monetary policy easing, or leave the rate at the current level. Market participants monitoring the New Zealand dollar performance should be prepared for a notable uptick in volatility during this time.
In the accompanying statement and commentary, the RBNZ officials will explain the interest rate decision and the economic factors that influenced it.
The New Zealand dollar quotes volatility may rise sharply during this time.
Notably, at the October and November 2024 meetings, New Zealand’s central bank cut the interest rate (OCR) after the unexpected reduction in August and argued in favor of further monetary policy easing.
02:00 – NZD: Reserve Bank of New Zealand Press Conference
RBNZ Governor Adrian Orr will comment on the rate decision. Typically, volatility in the New Zealand dollar increases during the meeting. Orr’s speeches often serve as an unofficial source of information about the future direction of the RBNZ monetary policy. He believes that the country’s monetary policy should be aligned with the country’s employment performance and financial stability, as well as inflation.
07:00 – GBP: 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 December, the UK consumer inflation rose +0.3% (+2.5% YoY) after +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 December, the core CPI gained +3.2% YoY after +2.6% YoY, +3.3% YoY in October, +1.7% in September, +3.6% in August, +3.3% YoY 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.
19:00 – USD: Federal Open Market Committee Meeting Minutes
The FOMC minutes release is extremely important for determining the course of the US Fed’s current policy and the prospects for US interest rate hikes. Volatility in financial markets usually increases during the minutes’ publication, as they often reveal changes or provide clarifications from the latest FOMC meeting.
Following the December 18, 2024 meeting central bank governors decided to reduce the federal funds rate by 0.25% to 4.50% and indicated a leaning towards further monetary policy easing to bolster the labor market.
However, US Fed Chair Jerome Powell stated that a pause in rate cuts is also possible. He emphasized that the US Fed officials remain confident that inflation is on track to reach the 2.0% target and that there is no need to rush to reduce rates given continued economic growth and a robust labor market.
At the first meeting in 2025, the Fed decided to keep the interest rate at 4.50%.
Many market participants now assume that the Fed will maintain the interest rate unchanged at 4.50% until the summer of 2025. Moreover, long-term forecasts suggest there may be a gradual reduction to 3.9% by the end of 2025, indicating fewer adjustments than previously anticipated.
The dovish tone of the minutes will positively impact stock indices and negatively affect the US dollar. The hawkish Fed’s rhetoric on the monetary policy may boost the greenback.
Thursday, February 20
00:30 – AUD: Employment Rate. Unemployment Rate
The employment rate reflects the monthly change in the number of employed Australian citizens. The indicator value increase 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: +56,300 in December 2024, +35,600 in November, +15,900 in October, +64,100 in September, +42,600 in August, +48,900 in July, +52,300 in June, +39,500 in May, +37,400 in April, -6,100 in March, +120,400 in February, +11,900 in January 2024, -58,900 in December 2023, +55,500 in October, +13,400 in September, +62,300 in August, 0 in July, +19,800 in June, +83,800 in May, -14,700 in April, +93,800 in March, +45,100 in February, 23,100 in January 2023.
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 4.0% (against 3.9% in December, 4.1% in November, 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.
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 October 2024 after a long pause since August 2023, bringing the rate down by 0.1% to its current level of 3.10%.
In 2024, the world’s major central banks have also started a policy easing cycle amid slowing inflation. What will the Chinese central bank do this time after pausing since September 2023 and easing policy in July 2024?
The People’s Bank of China will likely keep the interest rate unchanged at 3.10% 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 one. Investors will closely watch the bank’s assessment of the Chinese economy’s prospects and its policy stance in the short term.
Friday, February 21
07:00 – GBP: 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: +3.6% in December 2024, 0%, +2.0%, +3.2%, +2.3%, +1.5%, -0.3%, +1.7%, -2.3%, +0.4%, -0.3%, -0.3%, +0.4% in January 2024, -2.8% in December 2023, +0.0%, -2.3%, -1.1%, -1.2%, -3.1%, -1.8 in June 2023.
08:30 – EUR: Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers’ Index 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: 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: 52.5, 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: 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’ Index. 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 state. 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: 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: 51.3, 51.6 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: 50.2, 49.6 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 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: 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: 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: 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.
14:45 – USD: Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers’ Index of the US Economy by S&P Global. Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (Preliminary Releases)
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: 51.2, 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: 52.9, 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, 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.
18:00 – CAD: Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem’s Speech
The Canadian economy, like the global economy, is slowing down, and the situation is rapidly shifting for the worse. It will be interesting to hear Macklem’s perspective on Canada’s economic outlook and the central bank’s monetary policy amid falling inflation.
If Tiff Macklem mentions the Bank of Canada’s monetary policy, the volatility in the Canadian dollar will grow sharply. A signal of monetary policy tightening will bolster the Canadian dollar. Conversely, an intent to ease monetary policy will have a negative impact on the currency.
Additionally, Tiff Macklem will likely clarify the Bank of Canada’s recent interest rate decision and provide guidance for investors ahead of the central bank’s upcoming meeting.
Price chart of AUDUSD in real time mode
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