Week Ahead: Rates, Jobs, GDP and CPI Data
The Financial Markets have a heavy data week ahead. With geopolitical tensions ratcheting up, and concerns turning to how governments will slowly pull back their unprecedented support, we are starting to see how the world reacts to a post-Covid world. Currently, they are 8.92 Million confirmed cases globally, with 467k deaths. Here is your week ahead.
Reserve Bank of New Zealand Interest Rate decision – Wednesday, 24th June
With New Zealand entirely out of lockdown, threats of random Coronavirus cases popping up have increased. Facts have emerged from individuals entering the country with special exemptions and not adhering to the quarantine rules. Currently, the country has 1,161 confirmed cases, with 22 deaths. With the RBNZ implementing asset purchases of $30 Billion, the central bank was ready to take the full brunt of the Coronavirus for the financial markets. With that said, analysts predict the central bank to keep rates as is at 0.25%. Chairman Adrian Orr stated that negative rates are not out of the question; however, it is highly unlikely and will not come till next year. (Also a partial reason as to why negative rates could not be implemented in the first place is due to banks’ computers not being able to handle negative rates)
ECB Monetary Policy Report – Thursday, 25th June
Similarly, to New Zealand’s Reserve Bank, the ECB has dedicated a sizable chunk to help the European economy recover from the Coronavirus. The Policy meeting hopes to discuss the future of the European economy, future monetary policy stance, and provide guidance on economic developments. This report will be fundamental in determining the mindset of the ECB, and what the future financial environment will be in the European Union.
US Initial Jobless Claims, US GDP Growth rate QoQ and US Core Price Index – 25th, 26th and 27th June
With Coronavirus cases increasing above their average in many states, the virus remains front in center for many Americans. With election season coming up, President Donald Trump has resorted to opening the states with regard to the rising cases. Peaceful racial protests continue to fuel the spread of the Coronavirus. The previous unemployment claims dropped to 1.52 million last week, showing signs of American citizens going back to work. Analysts predict that figure to drop to 1.508 Million unemployment claims. With the consumer being touted as the backbone of the American economy, hopes are on the consumer to provide that initial boost to the economy. Analysts predict a drop of the Core Price index to 0.9% year over year, down from 1%. Furthermore, analysts predict a -5% Quarter over Quarter growth rate.
Investors and traders need to be careful of sudden policy changes affecting their trades and investments in the week ahead. Here is your market recap over the weekend
- China declares its national security law in Hong Kong will override Hong Kong Law
- A German Fintech, Wirecard, has allegedly lost 1.9B Euros.
- Trumps rally in Tulsa disappoints
- Brent Crude is reaching the tip of its range at $42.
Happy trading!
