Trump and the ongoing news surrounding him continue to sway the market. At the start of last week, the market experienced significant fluctuations and a drop in stock indices due to reports about Trump’s plans for Colombia. Additionally, his administration announced intentions to implement a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada starting February 1, with no preconditions attached.
Last week, investors focused on the meetings of the three largest world Central Banks such as the US Fed, the Bank of Canada, and the European Central Bank.
Next week, another major central bank, the Bank of England, will hold its meeting. Additionally, attention will be focused on the release of the US Department of Labor report featuring January data, which is slated for Friday. Furthermore, in the upcoming week, 03.02.2025 – 09.02.2025, investors will pay attention to crucial macroeconomic statistics from China, Australia, the eurozone, the US, New Zealand, and Canada.
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: eurozone preliminary CPIs, US ISM manufacturing PMI.
- Tuesday: New Zealand labor market data.
- Wednesday: ADP report on the US labor market, US ISM services PMI.
- Thursday: Bank of England meeting.
- Friday: US and Canadian labor market data for January.
- The key event of the week: US labor market data for January.
Monday, February 3
00:30 – AUD: Retail Sales
The Retail Sales Index, published monthly by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, measures the total retail sales volume. The index is often considered an indicator of consumer confidence and spending, reflecting also the near-term state of the retail sector. In advanced economies, domestic consumption plays a significant role in driving GDP growth.
Therefore, deterioration of the indicator values may reveal problems with the country’s GDP growth in the future. This is a negative factor for the national currency, as the economic slowdown may force the national central bank to ease monetary policy for businesses by lowering interest rates in particular.
A surge in the index readings is usually positive for the Australian dollar.
November index value: +0.8% (after +0.6%, +0.1%, +0.7%, 0%, +0.5%, +0.6%, +0.1%, -0.4%, +0.2% +1.1%, -2.7%, +2.0%, -0.4%, +0.9%, +0.3%, +0.5%, -0.8%, +0.8%, 0%, +0.4%, +0.2%, +1.9%, -3.9%, +1.7%, +0.4%, +0.6%, +0.6%, +1.3%, +0.2% in previous months). If the data is weaker than the previous figures, the Australian dollar may experience a short-term decline. Conversely, if the data surpasses the previous values, the currency will likely strengthen.
01:45 – CNY: Caixin China General Manufacturing PMI
The Caixin Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is a leading indicator of China’s manufacturing sector. As the world’s second-largest economy, China’s release of significant macroeconomic data may strongly influence the financial market.
Previous values: 50.5 in December 2024, 51.5, 50.3, 49.3, 50.4, 49.8, 51.8, 51.7, 51.4, 51.1, 50.9, 50.8, 50.8, 50.8, 50.7, 49.5, 50.6, 51.0, 49.2, 50.5, 50.9, 49.5, 50.0, 51.6, 49.2 in January 2023.
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.
10:00 – EUR: Consumer Price Index. Core Consumer Price Index (Preliminary Release)
The Consumer Price Index (CPI), published by Eurostat, measures the price change of a selected basket of goods and services over a given period. The CPI is a key indicator for evaluating inflation and consumer preferences. A positive indicator result strengthens the euro, while a negative one weakens it.
Previous values YOY: +2.4% in December 2024, +2.2%, +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 in the eurozone is still high, although the pace of increase is slowing down.
According to an accompanying statement following the ECB’s October meeting, when its leaders decided to cut the benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points, the regulator stated that the disinflation process is underway.
The Core Consumer Price Index (Core CPI) determines the price change of a selected basket of goods and services over a given period and is a key indicator for assessing inflation and consumer preference. 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: +2.7% 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 January 2024 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.
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: 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.
Tuesday, February 4
21:45 – NZD: New Zealand Employment Change. Unemployment Rate for Q4
The employment rate reflects the quarterly change in the number of employed New Zealand citizens. The indicator values increase positively affects consumer spending, stimulating economic growth. A high indicator reading is favorable for the New Zealand dollar, while a low reading is negative.
Previous values: -0.5% in Q3, +0.4% in Q2, -0.2% in Q1 2024, +0.4% in Q4 2023, -0.2% in Q3, +1.0% in Q2, +0.8% in Q1 2023, +0.2% in Q4 2022, +1.3% in Q3, 0% in Q2 2022, +0.1% in Q1 and Q4, +2.0% in Q3, +1.0% in Q2, +0.6% in Q1 2021.
At the same time, Stats NZ publishes a report on the unemployment rate, an indicator that measures the proportion of unemployed individuals relative to the total number of working-age citizens. An increase in the indicator values signals a weakening labor market, leading to a slowdown in the national economy. Conversely, a decrease is viewed positively, often strengthening the value of the New Zealand dollar.
Previous values QoQ: 4.8% in Q3, 4.6% in Q2, 4.3% in Q1 2024, 4.0% in Q4 2023, 3.9% in Q3, 3.6% in Q2, 3.4% in Q1 and Q4, 3.3% in Q2 and Q3 2022, 3.2% in Q1 and Q4, 3.4% in Q3, 4.0% in Q2, 4.7% in Q1 2021.
If other indicators in the Stats NZ report show signs of decline, the New Zealand dollar will likely weaken. Worse-than-expected data could have an even more pronounced negative effect on the currency.
Wednesday, February 5
01:45 – CNY: Caixin China General Services PMI
The Caixin Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is a leading indicator of China’s services sector. 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.
Previous values: 52.2 in December 2024, 51,5, 52.0, 50.3, 51.6, 52.1, 51.2, 54.0, 52.5, 52.7, 52.5, 52.7 in January 2024, 52.9, 51.5, 50.4, 50.2, 51.8, 54.1, 53.9, 57.1, 56.4, 57.8, 55.0, 52.9 in January 2023.
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.
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 again in January after rising by 122k 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 law index readings adversely. 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: 54.7 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, February 6
00:30 – AUD: Balance of Trade
Balance of Trade is an indicator that measures the ratio between exports and imports. An increase in Australian exports leads to a larger trade surplus, positively affecting the Australian dollar. Previous values (in billion Australian dollars): 7.079 in November, 5.953 in October, 4,609 in September, 5.644 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 the sales volume. A high indicator result strengthens the euro, while a low one weakens it.
Previous values: +0.1% (+1.2% YoY) in December 2024, -0.5% (+1.9% YoY), +0.5% (+2.9% YoY), +0.2% (+0.8% YoY), +0.1% (-0.1% YoY), -0.3% (-0.3% YoY), +0.1% (+0.3% YoY), -0.5% (0% YoY), +0.8% (+0.7% YoY), -0.5% (-0.7% YoY), +0.1% (-1.0% YoY) in January 2024, -1.1% (-0.8% YoY) in December, -0.3% (-1.1% YoY) in November, +0.1% (-1.2% YoY) in October, -0.3% (-2.9% YoY) in Sept, 1.2% (-2.1% YoY) in August, -0.2% (-1.0% YoY) in July, -0.3% (-1.4% YoY) in June, 0% (-2.4% YoY) in May, -1.2% (-2.9% YoY) in April, -0.8% (-3.3% YoY) in March, +0.3% (-2.4% YoY) in February, -2.7% (-1.8% YoY) in January, +0.8% (-2.8% YoY) in December 2022.
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.
12:00 – GBP: Bank of England Interest Rate Decision. Bank of England Meeting Minutes. Bank of England’s Asset Purchase Facility. Monetary Policy Report
As a result of the August 2023 meeting, the interest rate was increased to 5.25%. The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee has decided to raise borrowing costs amid a robust labor market to curb price growth. However, further tightening of monetary policy may be required to bring inflation to the 2.0% target.
Since the September 2023 meeting, the Bank of England has maintained a wait-and-see stance. Finally, on August 1, 2024, the Bank of England cut the interest rate by 0.25% to 5.00%, marking the first cut since August 2023. The rate currently stands at 4.75%.
At the upcoming meeting, the Bank of England may decide to cut interest rates again, given the declining inflation in the country, or take a pause, considering the positive macro data from the UK and the complex geopolitical situation in Europe, particularly in Ukraine.
Analysts believe that the Bank of England may reduce the interest rate. However, the market reaction may be unpredictable.
At the same time, the BoE will publish the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) minutes, including a breakdown of the votes for and against interest rate changes. The main UK risks after Brexit are related to expectations of a slowdown in the country’s economic growth, as well as a large deficit in the UK balance of payments account.
Uncertainty about the Bank of England’s next step persists. Meanwhile, the British Pound and FTSE100 futures offer a lot of trading opportunities during the publication of the Bank’s rate decision.
Besides, the Bank of England will release its monetary policy report, providing an assessment of the economic outlook and inflation. Volatility in the British pound may grow sharply during this period. Apart from GDP, the UK inflation rate is one of the primary indicators for the Bank of England’s monetary policy stance. A soft tone of the report will likely boost the British stock market but cause the British pound to weaken. Conversely, the report’s hawkish tone regarding inflation, implying an interest rate hike, will strengthen the pound.
12:30 – 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.
Friday, February 7
13:30 – CAD: Canada Unemployment Rate
Statistics Canada will release the country’s November labor market data. Massive business closures due to the coronavirus and layoffs have also contributed to the unemployment rate, increasing from the usual 5.6%–5.7% to 7.8% in March and 13.7% in May 2020.
In December 2024, unemployment stood at 6.7% against 6.8% in November, 6.5% in October and September, 6.6% in August, 6.4% in July and June, 6.2% in May, 6.1% in April and March, 5.8% in February, 5.7% in January 2024, 5.8% in December and November 2023, 5.7% in October, 5.5% in September, August, and July, 5.4% in June, 5.2% in May, 5.0% in April, March, February, January, December, 5.1% in November, 5.2% in October and September, 5.4% in August, 4.9% in July and June, 5.1% in May, 5.2% in April, 5.3% in March, 5.5% in February, 6.5% in January 2022.
If the unemployment rate continues to rise, the Canadian dollar will depreciate. If the data exceeds the previous value, the Canadian dollar will strengthen. A decrease in the unemployment rate is a positive factor for the Canadian dollar, while an increase is a negative factor.
13:30 – USD: Average Hourly Earnings. Private Nonfarm Payrolls. Unemployment Rate
The most significant US labor market indicators for January.
Previous values: +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.
Price chart of GBPUSD in real time mode
The content of this article reflects the author’s opinion and does not necessarily reflect the official position of LiteFinance. The material published on this page is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as the provision of investment advice for the purposes of Directive 2004/39/EC.
