On Wednesday, finalized inflation figures for the Eurozone will garner investor interest. Revisions to preliminary numbers could influence the ECB rate path. The markets expect a June ECB rate cut.
German producer prices also need consideration on Friday. Producer prices are a leading indicator of inflation and may influence the timing of an ECB interest rate cut.
Following the ECB monetary policy decision, investors should track ECB member chatter. ECB Chief Economist Philip Lane is on the calendar to speak on Monday. ECB Executive Board Members Piero Cipollone (Wed), Isabel Schnabel (Wed/Thurs), and Luis de Guindos (Thurs) will also deliver speeches.
The Pound
On Tuesday, UK labor market data for February will impact buyer demand for the Pound. Weaker labor market conditions and softer wage growth could increase expectations of a Bank of England interest rate cut.
With inflation being the focal point, UK inflation figures for March also need consideration on Wednesday. Softer-than-expected inflation would further influence investor bets on a Bank of England rate cut.
On Friday, UK retail sales figures for March will warrant investor attention. Upward trends in consumer spending could fuel demand-driven inflation and affect the timing of a BoE rate cut.
Beyond the numbers, investors should consider Bank of England commentary. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey is on the calendar to speak on Tuesday and Thursday. Monetary Policy Committee members Sarah Breedon (Mon), Megan Greene (Wed), Jonathan Haskel (Wed), and Sir Dave Ramsden (Fri) will also deliver speeches.
The Loonie
On Monday, housing start and wholesale sales figures from Canada will put the Loonie in focus. Weaker-than-expected numbers may pressure the Loonie but are unlikely to influence the Bank of Canada rate path.
However, inflation figures for March will warrant investor attention on Tuesday. Softer inflation numbers could raise investor expectations of a Bank of Canada rate cut.
Following the inflation report, Bank of Canada commentary also needs consideration. Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem is on the calendar to speak on Tuesday.
The Australian Dollar
Australian labor market data for March will impact the buyer appetite for the Aussie dollar. Weaker labor market conditions could affect wage growth and disposable income levels. Consumers could curb spending on non-essential items, dampening demand-driven inflation. A softer inflation outlook could support investor bets on an RBA rate cut.
From elsewhere, economic indicators from China also need investor consideration. Q1 GDP, industrial production, retail sales, fixed asset investment, and unemployment numbers will be in focus on Tuesday.
The Kiwi Dollar
On Wednesday, inflation numbers for the first quarter will impact buyer demand for the Kiwi dollar. Hotter-than-expected numbers could affect investor expectations regarding an RBNZ rate cut and near-term trends for the Kiwi dollar.
Economic indicators from China will also move the dial.
The Japanese Yen
On Monday, machinery orders for February could impact buyer demand for the Japanese Yen. The Bank of Japan could maintain zero interest rates in a weak macroeconomic environment.
Trade data for March will draw investor interest on Wednesday. Trade terms could give more guidance on the global demand environment.
On Friday, inflation figures for March will warrant investor consideration. The numbers coincide with the spring wage hikes. Hotter-than-expected numbers could influence the Bank of Japan rate path.
Investors must also monitor Bank of Japan commentary and comments from the Japanese government on the Yen.
Out of China
On Tuesday, the Chinese economy will be in the spotlight. Q1 GDP numbers will impact the appetite for riskier assets.
Additionally, investors must consider industrial production, fixed asset investment, retail sales, and unemployment numbers.
Weaker-than-expected data could fuel investor expectations of a fiscal stimulus package from Beijing.
