The slow pace of the markets is likely to come to an end as traders prepare for a busy September. The week ahead will start off on a somewhat slow note but picks up the pace by mid-week.
Economic data includes key market moving events such as the US GDP numbers and the flash inflation data from the Eurozone. Canada will also be reporting on the GDP numbers this week followed by Friday’s ISM manufacturing PMI and the US nonfarm payrolls.
Canada will also be releasing its monthly GDP numbers this week. Estimates show that Canada’s economic activity expanded at a pace of 0.1% which is lower than the 0.6% GDP growth seen the month before.
Here is a brief recap on what to expect from the currency markets in the week ahead.
Eurozone Flash Inflation Estimates – August
It is inflation time again in the Eurozone with the European statistics agency, Eurostat expected to release its findings on the flash inflation estimates for August. According to economists polled, consumer prices might have accelerated at a pace of 1.4% on the year in August. This is higher than July’s 1.3% increase.
Core consumer prices which strip out the volatile food and energy prices are forecast to rise at a steady pace of 1.2%, the same as the month before.
Last week, ECB President Mario Draghi spoke at the Jackson Hole Symposium. At the event, Draghi did not offer many clues on monetary policy. Still, the debate about tightening monetary policy continues. With investors left clueless, the current speculation has led to further appreciation in the common currency. By Friday’s close, the EURUSD was seen posting fresh highs and trading near $1.19.
Draghi’s decision not to speak about monetary policy came along the lines of the Fed Chair, Janet Yellen as who did not offer any insights into the Fed’s tightening plans. As a result, traders and investors will be looking for the economic data to assess what the next move from the ECB might be. This puts the inflation estimates for August in focus as a better than expected headline print could no doubt fuel bets that the ECB could announce its tightening policy when it meets in September.
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