The upcoming week is expected to be relatively quiet after a busy stretch of key economic releases.
However, the ongoing unrest in the Middle East is keeping market participants on edge.
That said, in the week of April 13–19, 2026, markets will be watching for crucial macroeconomic data from the US, Australia, China, the UK, and Canada.
Moreover, the IMF Spring Meetings will take place throughout the week, so unexpected comments from policymakers could also impact the markets.
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: None scheduled.
- Tuesday: US PPI data.
- Wednesday: None scheduled.
- Thursday: Australia’s labor market data, key macroeconomic statistics from China, including GDP for Q1, UK labor market data, and Canada’s CPI data.
- Friday: None scheduled.
- Key event of the week: IMF Spring Meetings.
Monday, April 13
There are no important macroeconomic statistics scheduled to be released.
Tuesday, April 14
12:30 – USD: Producer Price Index (PPI)
The Producer Price Index (PPI) measures the average change in wholesale prices determined by manufacturers at all stages of production. The index is one of the leading inflation indicators in the United States, estimating the average change in wholesale producer prices.
Rising production costs increase wholesale selling prices, which ultimately boosts inflation. In normal economic conditions, growing inflation usually puts upward pressure on the national currency quotes, implying a tighter central bank monetary policy.
Previous figures: +0.7% (+3.9% YoY), +0.5% (+3.5% YoY) in January 2026, +0.4% (+3.3% YoY) in December 2025, +0.2% (+3.0% YoY) , +0.1% (+2.9% YoY), +0.6% (+2.9% YoY), -0.2% (+2.9% YoY) , +0.8% (+3.5% YoY), +0.1% (+2.7% YoY), +0.4% (+3.2% YoY), -0.3% (+3.1% YoY), -0.2% (+3.8% YoY), +0.1% (+3.7% YoY), +0.7% (+3.9% YoY) in January 2025.
If the data exceeds the forecasted value, the US dollar will likely strengthen. Conversely, if the data falls below forecasted and previous values, this will exert pressure on the Fed. This could lead to the Fed’s monetary policy easing, which will negatively impact the US dollar.
16:00 – GBP: Bank of England Governor’s Speech
Andrew Bailey will comment on the Bank of England’s interest rate decision. Typically, during the speech of the Bank of England governor, the British pound and the FTSE index of the London Stock Exchange face a significant spike in volatility, especially if there are any indications regarding monetary policy tightening or easing. Besides, Andrew Bailey will likely discuss the UK economy’s health and prospects against the backdrop of high energy prices and inflation.
The British pound and the FTSE London Stock Exchange often show significant volatility during the Bank of England Governor’s speech, especially if he hints at changes in monetary policy.
Wednesday, April 15
There are no important macroeconomic statistics scheduled to be released. However, traders following the pound will keep an eye on another speech by the Bank of England governor at 15:50 GMT. If Andrew Bailey avoids commenting on monetary policy, the market reaction is likely to remain limited.
Thursday, April 16
01:30 – 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: +48,900 in February, +26,8100 in January 2026, +68,500 in December, -28,700 in November, +41,100 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 remained at its lowest levels and stood at 4.3% in February (against 4.1% in January 2026 and December 2025, 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.
02:00 – CNY: Industrial Production. Retail Sales. China’s GDP for Q1
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 YoY values: +6.3%, +6.5%, +5.2%, +5.7%, +6.8%, 5.8%, +6.1%, +7.7%, +5.9%, +6.2% in December 2024.
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 YoY values: +2.8%, +0.9%, +1.3%, +2.9%, +3.0%, +3.4%, +3.7%, +4.8%, +6.4%, +5.1%, +5.9%, +4.0%, +3.7% in December 2024.
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.
Moreover, the National Bureau of Statistics of China will release the GDP growth data for Q1 2026.
China’s GDP is expected to grow again in Q1 2026 after 01.2% (+4.5% YoY) in Q4 2025, +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.
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.
06:00 – 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 March report suggests that average earnings, including bonuses, rose again over the last three months (December–February) after gaining +3.9%, +4.2%, +4.7%, +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 3.8%, 4.2%, +4.5%,+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 5.2% over the last three months (December–February), after posting 5.2%, 5.2%, 5.1%, 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.
12:30 – 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: 0.5% (+1.8% YoY), 0% (+2.3% YoY) in January 2026, +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.
- Core CPI released by the Bank of Canada: +0.4% (+2.3% YoY), +0.2% (+2.6% YoY) in January 2026, +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.
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.
Friday, April 17
There are no important macroeconomic statistics scheduled to be released.
Price chart of USDX in real time mode
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