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UK and US inflation

Market Analysis and Events Through a Financial Lens

the upcoming week promises to be eventful with numerous key economic data releases. These events have the potential to cause shifts in the financial markets and influence investment decisions. By keeping a close eye on these events, investors can make informed decisions and navigate the financial landscape with greater confidence.

Steady Gains Amid Market Caution for EUR/USD

The EUR/USD pair is demonstrating resilience in the face of uncertain markets, showing modest gains and hovering around the 1.0700 mark as European trading commences this Monday. Despite an increase in US Treasury bond yields, the US Dollar has started the week on the back foot. Market participants are exercising caution, refraining from aggressive moves, while they await crucial Eurozone GDP and US inflation data expected later this week.

This cautious sentiment reflects broader trends in the financial markets, as investors globally grapple with a multitude of factors influencing currency valuations. From geopolitical tensions to shifts in monetary policy, these elements continue to shape the trajectory of major currency pairs, including the EUR/USD.

GBP/USD Extends Positive Momentum

The GBP/USD currency pair is continuing its upward streak into a second day, with a positive shift around the 1.2230 mark during the Asian session this Monday. The pair’s ascension appears to be bolstered by the better-than-expected preliminary GDP from the UK, released on Friday, coupled with a softer USD.

This trend underlines the importance of key economic indicators in shaping currency movements. The strength of the UK’s economic performance, as evidenced by its preliminary GDP figures, has lent support to the GBP, prompting investors to rally behind the currency.

XAU/USD Faces Resistance at $1,960

Gold, often seen as a safe haven asset during times of market volatility, is grappling with gains during the early European session this Monday. Investors are eagerly anticipating the release of the much-awaited US CPI due Tuesday to provide a fresh direction. XAU/USD is currently trading around $1,940, recording a marginal gain of 0.18% on the day. The US Dollar maintained its bullish stance during the first half of the day but reversed after the American market opened, prompting XAU/USD to rebound from a new weekly low of $1,944.71 to trade above the $1,960 mark.

This highlights the interplay between key economic data releases and asset prices. The imminent release of US CPI data has investors on edge, underscoring the significance of inflation data in shaping investment decisions.

Inflation Figures Under the Microscope in the Week Ahead

After a relatively quiet week, the economic calendar is set to provide more substance for investors in the coming days. High-profile data releases are slated for this week, with inflation data from the US and the UK taking center stage on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

In the US, YoY inflation remained steady at 3.7% in the twelve months leading to September, with the core measure for the same period dipping to 4.1%, down from 4.3% in August. Bloomberg’s median estimate suggests a cooling of inflationary pressures to 3.3% in the twelve months to October (estimate range between 3.4% and 3.2%), with the core measure expected to ease slightly to 4.0%.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the UK will release its CPI inflation data. Economists predict that YoY inflation will decelerate to 4.8% in the twelve months to October from 6.7% in September (estimate range is between 6.5% and 4.7%). This significant decline in headline inflation is largely attributed to base effects from utility prices. YoY core inflation is also forecasted to slow to 5.8% over the same period, down from 6.1% in September (estimate range is between 6.0% and 5.5%).

These inflation figures will be closely watched by investors globally, offering crucial insights into the health of the US and UK economies. They will likely shape investor sentiment and influence investment decisions in the coming days.

Key Economic Events This Week

The coming week is packed with key economic events that could potentially influence market trends and investor sentiment. Let’s delve into these events and their potential implications on the market.

14 November

UK Employment Data

The UK will release its employment data on November 14. These figures provide valuable insights into the health of the UK economy, including employment rates, hours of work, and redundancies. The employment data may be treated with more caution than usual due to recent experimental adjustments in the data sources used for the calculations. Any unexpected changes in these figures could lead to volatility in the UK markets and affect the GBP’s value.

UK Wages Data

In conjunction with employment data, the UK’s wage growth figures will also be released. These numbers are crucial as they indicate the overall earnings trend in the country. A significant change in wage growth can impact consumer spending and inflation, influencing the Bank of England’s monetary policy decisions and consequently affecting the financial markets.

Germany ZEW Economic Sentiment Index

Germany’s ZEW Economic Sentiment Index is a leading indicator of the country’s economic health. It gauges the six-month economic outlook and is derived from a survey of about 350 German institutional investors and analysts. A higher than expected reading can be taken as positive or bullish for the EUR, while a lower than expected reading is seen as negative or bearish.

15 November

Australia Wage Price Index

Australia’s Wage Price Index measures the change in the price businesses and the government pay for labor, excluding bonuses. It’s a leading indicator of consumer inflation as rising wages lead to higher consumer prices. A higher than expected reading can be bullish for the AUD, while a lower than expected reading can be bearish.

US Inflation Data (PPI)

The US Producer Price Index (PPI) is a measure of inflation from the perspective of producers. It gauges the change in the selling prices producers charge for goods and services and can act as a leading indicator of consumer price inflation. High or rising PPI readings may prompt the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates to curb inflation, which could strengthen the USD.

US Retail Sales

US retail sales data provides a snapshot of consumer spending patterns. It measures the change in the total value of sales at the retail level. Strong retail sales can indicate consumer confidence and economic growth, potentially leading to a bullish market sentiment towards the USD.

United States NY Empire State Manufacturing Index

The NY Empire State Manufacturing Index rates the relative level of general business conditions in New York state. A level above 0.0 indicates improving conditions, below indicates worsening conditions. The data can influence market sentiment towards the USD.

16 November

Australia Employment Data

Australia’s employment data gives an overview of the health of the Australian labor market. It includes figures on employment change and the unemployment rate. Significant deviations from the forecasted figures could lead to volatility in the AUD.

China Industrial Production, China Retail Sales

China’s industrial production and retail sales data provide insights into one of the world’s largest economies. Industrial production measures the change in the total inflation-adjusted value of output produced by manufacturers, mines, and utilities. Retail sales provide an aggregated measure of sales of retail goods over a specific time period. These figures can impact global markets, given China’s economic influence.

US Weekly Unemployment Claims, United States Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index, US Industrial Production Data

Weekly unemployment claims data in the US provides a measure of the number of individuals who filed for unemployment insurance for the first time. The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index rates the relative level of general business conditions in Philadelphia. US Industrial Production measures the change in the total inflation-adjusted value of output produced by manufacturers, mines, and utilities. These figures can impact the USD and broader market sentiment.

17 November

UK Retail Sales

UK retail sales data is a measure of the change in the total value of sales at the retail level in the UK. It is an important indicator of consumer spending, which accounts for the majority of overall economic activity.

US Housing Data (Building Permits)

US building permits data measures the change in the number of new building permits issued by the government. Building permits are a key indicator of demand in the housing market. A higher than expected number can be taken as positive/bullish for the USD, while a lower than expected number can be seen as negative/bearish.

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Author

  • Phyllis Wangui

    Phyllis Wangui is a Financial Analyst and News Editor with qualifications in accounting and economics. She has over 20 years of banking and accounting experience, during which she has gained extensive knowledge of the forex, stock news, stock market, forex analysis, cryptos and foreign exchange industries. Phyllis is an avid commentator on these topics and loves to share her insights with others through financial publications and social media platforms.

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