Geopolitical tensions, moves by the US administration, Trump’s erratic rhetoric, conflicting macro data, and a steady stream of headlines, especially around the Fed, continue to shake the markets. In this environment, only one trend has remained consistent so far: the ongoing decline in cryptocurrencies. Unlike gold, which has once again climbed above the 5,000.00–5,100.00 range, Bitcoin continues to fall. It has not shown that it can act as a reliable hedge, and its decline is weighing on almost the entire cryptocurrency market.
As for traditional assets and major currencies, trading remains relatively stable. Bulls and bears continue to compete, and the US stock market is still trending higher, despite occasional pullbacks.
During March 2–8, 2026, market participants will focus on the publication of key macroeconomic statistics from China, Germany, the US, the Eurozone, Australia, and Switzerland.
On Sunday, March 7–8, the United States will switch to daylight saving time. Clocks will be set forward by one hour, which will also affect the release times of macroeconomic data.
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: Chinese manufacturing PMI, German retail sales, US ISM manufacturing PMI, and RBA Governor Michele Bullock’s speech.
- Tuesday: Eurozone preliminary CPI.
- Wednesday: Australia GDP for Q4, China’s PMI, Switzerland’s CPI, Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem’s speech, ADP report, and US ISM services PMI.
- Thursday: Australia’s trade balance, Eurozone retail sales.
- Friday: Eurozone GDP for Q4 (final estimate), US February labor market data.
- Key event of the week: US labor market data for February.
Monday, March 2
01:45 – CNY: RatingDog China Manufacturing PMI
The RatingDog Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), released by Caixin Insight Group and S&P Global, is a leading indicator gauging business activity in China’s manufacturing sector. Since China is the world’s second-largest economy, its macroeconomic data releases can strongly influence financial markets.
Previous values: 50.3 in January 2026, 50.1 in September 2025, 49.9, 50.6, 51.2 in September 2025.
A decline in the indicator value and reading below 50 may negatively affect the renminbi, as well as commodity currencies such as the New Zealand and Australian dollar. Data that exceeds forecasted or previous values will have a positive impact on these currencies.
07:00 – EUR: German Retail Sales
Retail sales are the main indicator of consumer spending in Germany. A high indicator reading boosts the euro, while a low one weakens the currency.
Previous values: +0.1% (+1.5% YoY), -0.6% (+1.1% YoY) in December 2025, +0.2% (+0.2% YoY), -0.2% (+1.8% YoY), -1.5% (+1.9% YoY), +1.0% (+4.9% YoY), -1.6% (+1.6% YoY), -1.1% (+2.3% YoY), -0.2% (+2.2% YoY), +0.8% (+4.9% YoY), +0.2% (+2.9% YoY), -1.6% (+1.8 YoY) in January 2025, -0.6% (+2.5% YoY), -1,5% (+1,0% YoY), +1.2% (+3.8% YoY), +1.6 (+2.1% YoY), -1.2% (-0.6% YoY), +2.6% (-1.9% YoY), -1.5% (+2.2% YoY), -0.3% (-.2% YoY) in January 2024.
The data suggests that the German economy’s recovery has been uneven, with some months experiencing a slowdown. Indicator readings higher than forecasted and/or previous values are likely positive for the euro in the short term.
15:00 – USD: US ISM Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index
The US PMI, published by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), is an important measure of the US economy. When the index surpasses 50, it bolsters the US dollar, whereas readings below 50 have a detrimental effect on the greenback.
Previous values: 52.6 in January 2026, 47.9 in December 2025, 48.2, 48.7, 49.1, 48.7, 48.0, 49.0, 48,5, 48.7, 49.0, 50.3, 50.9 in January 2025, 49.3 in December 2024, 48.4, 46.5, 47.2, 47.2, 46.8, 48.5, 48.7, 49.2, 50.3, 47.8, 49.1 in January 2024, 47.4 in December, 46.7 in November, 46.7 in October, 49.0 in September, 47.6 in August, 46.4 in July, 46.0 in June, 46.9 in May, 47.1 in April, 46.3 in March, 47.7 in February, 47.4 in January 2023.
The index has been below the 50 level for several months now, indicating a slowdown in this sector of the US economy. The growth of index values supports the US dollar. Conversely, if the index reading falls below the forecasted values or below 50, the greenback may sharply depreciate in the short term.
21:10 – AUD: Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock’s Speech
Michele Bullock will assess the current state of Australia’s economy and outline her department’s monetary policy. 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 sharp surge in the Australian currency and stock market volatility. If the Australian Central Bank Governor avoids discussing monetary policy, the market response will be muted.
Tuesday, March 3
10:00 – EUR: Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices. Core HISP (Flash)
The Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) is published by Eurostat and measures the change in prices of a selected basket of goods and services over a specific period. The index is a key indicator for assessing inflation and changes in consumer preferences. A positive reading strengthens the euro, while a negative reading weakens it.
Previous values (YoY): +1.7% in January 2026, +1.9% in December 2025, +2.1%, +2.2%, +2.0%, +2.0%, +2.0%, +1.9%, +2.2%, +2.2%, +2.3%, +2.5% in January 2025, +2.4% in December 2024, +2.3%, +2.0%, +1.7%, +2.2%, +2.6%, +2.5%, +2.6%, +2.4%, +2.4%, +2.6%, +2.8% in January 2024, +2.9%, +2.4%, +2.9%, +4.3%, +5.2%, +5.3%, +5.5%, +6.1%, +6.1%, +7.0%, +6.9%, +8.5%, +8.6% in January 2023, +9.2%, +10.1%, +10.6%, +9.9%, +9.1%, +8.9%, +8.6%, +8.1%, +7.4%, +7.4%, +5.9%, +5.1% in January 2022.
If the data is worse than the forecasted value, the euro may face a short-term but sharp decline. Conversely, if the data surpasses the forecast and/or the previous value, it could strengthen the euro in the short term. The ECB’s consumer inflation target is just below 2.0%, and the reading suggests that inflation continues to decline in the Eurozone.
According to the accompanying statement following the ECB’s October 2024 meeting, when its leaders decided to cut the benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points, the regulator stated that the disinflation process is underway.
And now, the ECB administration is signaling its intention to continue easing its monetary policy, which is a negative factor for the euro.
The Core Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (Core HICP) measures the price change of a selected basket of goods and services over a specified period and serves as a key indicator for assessing inflation and consumer preferences. Food and energy are excluded from this indicator in order to provide a more accurate assessment. A high result strengthens the euro, while a low one weakens it.
Previous values YOY: +2.3% in January 2026, +2.3% in December 2025, +2.4%, +2.4%, +2.3%, +2.3%, +2.3%, +2.3%, +2.7%, +2.4%, +2.6%, +2.7% in January 2025, 2.7% in December 2024, +2.7%, +2.7%, +2.7%, +2.8%, +2.9%, +2.9%, +2.9%, +2.7%, +2.9%, +3.1%, +3.3% in January 2024, +3.4%, +3.6% +4.2%, +4.5%, +5.3%, +5.5%, +5.5%, +5.3%, +5.3%, +5.6%, +5.7%, +5.6%, +5.3%, +5.2%, +5.0%, +5.0%, +4.8%, +4.3%, +4.0%, +3.7%, +3.8%, +3.5%, +3.0%, +2.7%, +2.3% in January 2022.
If the February 2026 figures are weaker than the previous or forecasted value, the euro may be negatively affected. If the data turns out to be better than the forecasted or previous value, the currency will likely grow.
According to recently reported data, the Eurozone’s core inflation rate is still high, above the ECB’s target of 2.0%. As a result, the ECB is inclined to maintain high interest rates, which is favorable for the euro in normal economic conditions.
Wednesday, March 4
00:30 – AUD: Australian GDP for Q4
The Australian Bureau of Statistics releases its report on the country’s GDP, a key indicator of the Australian economy’s health. A strong report will bolster the Australian dollar, while a weak GDP report will drag the currency down.
Previous values: +0.4% (+2.1% YoY) in Q3 2025, +0.6% (+1.8% YoY) in Q2 2025, +0.3% (+1.4% YoY) in Q1 2025, +0.6% (+1.3% YoY) in Q4 2024, +0.3% (+0.8% YoY) in Q3, +0.2% (+1.0% YoY) in Q2, +0.1% (+1.1% YoY) in Q1 2024, +0.2% (+1.5% YoY) in Q4 2023, +0.2% (+2.1% YoY) in Q3, +0.4% (+2.1% YoY) in Q2, +0.2% (+2.3% YoY) in Q1 2023, +0.5% (+2,7% YoY) in Q4, +0.6% (+5.9% YoY) in Q3, +0.9% (+3.6% YoY) in Q2, +0.8% (+3.3% YoY) in Q1, +3.4% (+4.2% YoY) in Q4, -1.9% in Q3, +0.7% in Q2, +1.8% in Q1 2021. A higher reading is positive for the Australian dollar, while a lower reading is negative. If the data falls short of the forecast, the currency may decline.
01:30 – CNY: China’s Manufacturing and Services PMI by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP)
This indicator is an essential gauge of the overall Chinese economy. An indicator reading above 50 is positive for the yuan, while a value below 50 is negative for the currency.
Previous values: 49.3 in January 2026, 50.1 in December 2025, 49.2, 49.0, 49.8, 49.4, 49.7, 49.5, 50.5, 50.2, 49.1 in January 2025, 50.1 (December 2024), 50.3, 50.1, 49.8, 49.1, 49.4, 49.5, 50.4, 50.8, 49.2, 49.0, 49.5, 50.2, 49.3, 49.0, 48.8, 49.2, 51.9, 52.6, 50.1 in January. The relative rise in the index above 50 strengthens the yuan. Data above 50 indicates increased economic activity, positively affecting the national currency. Conversely, if the index value is below 50, the yuan will face pressure and probably decline.
Likewise, the services sector PMI assesses the state of the services sector in the Chinese economy. An indicator result above 50 is seen as positive for the yuan. Previous values: 49.4 in January 2026, 50.2 in December 2025, 49.5, 50.1, 50.0, 50.3, 50.5, 50.3, 50.8, 50.4, 50.2 in January 2025, 52.2 in December 2024, 50.0, 50.2, 50.0, 50.3, 50.2, 50.5, 51.2, 53.0, 50.7, 50.4, 50.6, 51.7, 51.5, 53.2, 54.5, 56.4, 58.2, 56.3, 54.4 in January. Despite the relative decline, the indicator is still above the 50 value, likely influencing the yuan positively. Conversely, the indicator below 50 suggests that the yuan will face pressure and probably decline.
01:45 – CNY: RatingDog China Services PMI
The RatingDog Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), released by Caixin Insight Group and S&P Global, is a leading indicator gauging business activity in China’s services sector. Since China is the world’s second-largest economy, its macroeconomic data releases can strongly influence financial markets.
Previous values: 52.3 in January 2026, 52.0 in December 2025, 52.6, 52.9 in September 2025.
Although an index value above 50 indicates growth, a relative decline in the indicator may adversely affect the yuan. Since China is the most important trade and economic partner of Australia and New Zealand, a deterioration in Chinese macro data may negatively impact the Australian and New Zealand dollars. Conversely, an increase in Chinese macro figures is usually positive for these currencies.
07:30 – CHF: Switzerland Consumer Price Index
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) reflects the retail price trends for a group of goods and services comprising the consumer basket. The CPI is a key gauge of inflation. Additionally, the index has a significant impact on the value of the Swiss franc.
In January 2025, consumer inflation rose by +0.1% YoY but declined by -0.1% MoM after posting 0% (+0.1% YoY) in December 2025, -0.2% (0% YoY) in November, +0.1% YoY, -0.3% (+0.1% YoY) in October, -0.2% (+0.2% YoY) in September, 0% (+0.2% YoY) in August, -0.1% (+0.2% YoY) in July, +0.2% (+0.1% YoY), +0.1% (-0.1% YoY) in May, 0% in April, +0.6% (+0.3% YoY) in February, -0.1% (+0.4% YoY) in January 2025, -0.1% (+0.6% YoY) in December, -0.1% (+0.7% YoY) in November, -0.1% (+0.6% YoY) in October, -0.3% (+0.8% YoY) in September, 0% (+1.1% YoY) in August, -0.2% (+1.3% YoY) in July, 0% (+1.3% YoY) in June, +0.3% (+1.4% YoY) in May, +0.3% (+1.4% YoY) in April, 0% (+1.2% YoY) in February, +0.2% (+1.3% YoY) January 2024, +1.7% in December 2023, +1.4% in November, and +1.7% YoY in October.
An index reading below the forecasted or previous value may weaken the Swiss franc, as low inflation will force the Swiss Central Bank to ease its monetary policy. Conversely, a high reading would be positive for the Swiss franc.
Expected After 10:00 – 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.
13:15 – USD: ADP Private Sector Employment Report
The ADP report on private sector employment significantly impacts the market and the US dollar. An increase in this indicator value positively affects the greenback. The number of workers in the US private sector is expected to increase in February after +22k in January, +37k in December 2025, +29k in november, +47k in October, -29k in September, -3k in August, +106k in July, -23k in June, +29k in May, +60k in April, +147k in March, +84k in February, +186k in January 2025, +176k in December 2024,+146k in November, +184k in October, +159k in September, +103k in August, +111k in July, +155k in June, +157k in May, +188k in April, +208k in March, +155k in February, +111k in January 2024, +158k in December, +104k in November, +111k in October, +137k in September, +135k in August, +307k in July, +543k in June, +206k in May, +293k in April, +103k in March, +275k in February, +131k in January 2023.
The growth of the index values may positively affect the US dollar, while low index readings may adversely influence it. A negative market reaction and a potential decline in the dollar may occur if the data turns out to be worse than forecasted.
The ADP report is not directly correlated with the official data of the US Department of Labor, which is due on Friday. However, the ADP report often serves as a forerunner of the department’s data and significantly influences the market.
15:00 – USD: US ISM Services Purchasing Managers’ Index
The PMI assesses the state of the US services sector, accounting for about 80% of US GDP. The share of final goods production is about 20% of GDP, including 1% for agriculture and 18% for industrial production. Therefore, the publication of the services sector data significantly impacts the US dollar. An indicator reading above 50 is positive for the currency.
Previous values: 53.8 in January, 54.4 in December 2025, 52.6 in November, 52.4 in October, 50.0 in September, 52.2 in August, 50.1 in July, 50.8 in June, 49.9 in May, 51.6 in April, 50.8 in March, 53.5 in February, 52.8 in January 2025, 54.1 in December 2024, 52.1 in November, 56.0 in October, 54.9 in September, 51.5 in August, 51.4 in July, 48.8 in June, 53.8 in May, 49.4 in April, 51.4 in March, 52.6 in February, 53.4 in January 2024, 50.5 in December, 52.5 in November, 51.9 in October, 53.4 in September, 54.5 in August, 52.7 in July, 53.9 in June, 50.3 in May, 51, 9 in April, 51.2 in March, 55.1 in February, 55.2 in January 2023, 49.6 in December, 56.5 in November, 54.4 in October, 56.9 in August, 56.7 in July, 55.3 in June, 55.9 in May, 57.1 in April, 58.3 in March, 56.5 in February, 59.9 in January 2022.
The growth of index values will favorably affect the US dollar. However, a relative decline in the index values and readings below 50 may negatively affect the US dollar in the short term.
Thursday, March 5
00:30 – AUD: Balance of Trade
The Balance of Trade is an indicator that measures the ratio of exports to imports. An increase in Australian exports leads to a larger trade surplus, positively affecting the Australian dollar. Previous values (in billion Australian dollars): 3.373 in December, 2.597 in November, 4.353 in October, 3.707 in September, 1.111 in August, 6.612 in July, 5.366 in June, 1.604 in May, 4.859 in April, 6.892 in March, 2.921 in February, 5.156 in January 2025, 4.924 in December, 6.792 in November, 5.670 in October, 4.5362 in September, 5.284 in August, 5.636 in July, 5.425 in June, 5.052 in May, 6.678 in April, 4.841 in March, 6.707 in February, and 9.873 in January 2024.
A decrease in the trade surplus could negatively affect the Australian dollar, while an increase in the indicator figure may bolster the currency.
10:00 – EUR: Eurozone Retail Sales
Retail sales data is the main measure of consumer spending, indicating the change in sales volume. A high indicator result strengthens the euro, while a low one weakens it.
Previous values: -0.5% (+1.3% YoY) in January 2026, +0.2% (+2.3% YoY) in December 2025, -0.1% (+1.0% YoY) -0.1% (+1.6% YoY) -0.4% (+2.1% YoY) +0.6% (+3.5% YoY), -0.3% (+1.9% YoY) and +0.3% (+2.7% YoY) +0.4% (+1.9% YoY), +0.2% (+1.9% YoY) and 0% (+1.9% YoY) in January 2025, -0.1% (+2.2% YoY) in December 2024, +0.1% (+1.8% YoY), -0.3% (+2.3% YoY) in October 2024.
The data suggests that retail sales have not returned to pre-pandemic levels after a severe drop in March–April 2020, when Europe was under strict quarantine measures, and are periodically declining again. Nevertheless, values exceeding the forecast will strengthen the euro.
Friday, March 6
10:00 – EUR: Eurozone GDP for Q4 (Final Estimate)
GDP is considered to be an indicator of the overall economic health. A rising trend of the GDP indicator is positive for the euro, while a low reading weakens the currency.
Recent Eurozone macroeconomic data have shown a gradual recovery in the growth rate of the European economy after a sharp decline in early 2020.
Previous values: +0.3% (+1.4% YoY) in Q3, +0.1% (+1.5% YoY) in Q2 2025, +0.6% (+1.5% YoY) in Q1 2025, +0.2% (+1.2% YoY) in Q4 2024, +0.4% (+0.9% YoY) in Q3, +0.2% (+0.6% YoY) in Q2, +0.3% (+0.4% YoY) in Q1 2024, 0% (+0.1% YoY) in Q4 2023, -0.1% (0% YoY) in Q3, +0.1% (+0.5% YoY) in Q2, -0.1% (+1.0% YoY) in Q1 2023, 0% (+1.9% YoY) in Q4 2022, +0.7% (+4,0% YoY) in Q3, +0.8% (+4.1% YoY) in Q4 2022, +0.7% (+4,6% YoY) in Q3, +2.2% (+3.9% YoY) in Q3, +2.2% (+14.3% YoY) in Q2, and -0.3% (-1.3% YoY) in Q1 2021.
If the data is below the forecast and/or previous values, the euro may decline. Conversely, readings exceeding the predicted values may strengthen the euro in the short term. However, the European economy is still far from fully recovering to pre-crisis levels.
The preliminary estimate stood at +0.3% (+1.4% YoY) in Q4 2025.
13:30 – USD: Average Hourly Earnings. Private Nonfarm Payrolls. Unemployment Rate
The most significant US labor market indicators for February. Previous values: +0.4% in January 2026, +0.3% in December 2025, +0.1%, +0.4%,+0.2% in September, +0.4% in August, 0.3% in July, +0.2% in June, +0.4% in May, +0.2% in April, +0.3% in March and February, +0.5% in January 2025, +0.3% in December 2024, +0.4% in November, October, September, and August, +0.2% in July, +0.3% in June, +0.4% in May, +0.2% in April, +0.3% in March, +0.1% in February, +0.6% in January 2024, +0.4% in December and November 2023, +0.2% in October, September, and August, +0.4% in July and June, +0.3% in May, +0.5% in April, +0.3% in March, +0.2% in February, +0.3% in January 2023 / 227k in November, 36k in October, +255k in September, +78k in August, +114k in July, +118k in June, 216k in May, +108k in April, +310k in March, +236k in February, +256k in January 2024, +290k in December 2023, +182k in November, +165k in October, +246k in September, +210k in August 2023, +210k in August 2023 / 4.2% in November, 4.1% in October and September, 4.2% in August, 4.3% in July, 4.1% in June, 4.0% in May, 3.9% in April, 3.8% in March, 3.9% in February, 3.7% in January 2024, December and November 2023, 3.9% in October, 3.8% in September and August, 3.5% in July, 3.6% in June, 3.7% in May, 3.4% in April, 3.5% in March, 3.6% in February, 3.4% in January 2023.
Overall, the values are positive. Nevertheless, it is often difficult to predict the market’s reaction to the data release, given that many previous figures can be revised. This task becomes even more challenging now due to the contradictory economic situation in the US and many other large economies, with the looming risk of recession alongside persistently high inflation.
Regardless, the release of the US labor market data is anticipated to prompt increased volatility not just in the US dollar but also in the entire financial market. Most risk-averse investors will probably prefer to stay out of the market during this period.
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