Investors and markets are slowly adjusting to the new landscape after the introduction of counter-tariffs by President Trump’s administration. However, uncertainty remains high, and the risk of further trade tensions continues to weigh on sentiment.
In the upcoming week of 14.04.2025–20.04.2025, market participants will focus on macroeconomic statistics from the UK, Canada, China, the US, New Zealand, and Australia, as well as the results of the central banks of Canada and the Eurozone.
Notably, banks and stock exchanges in Catholic countries will be closed on Friday, April 18, due to the Good Friday celebration. Thus, trading volumes will be lower than usual.
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: no important macro statistics is scheduled.
- Tuesday: UK labor market data, Canadian CPIs.
- Wednesday: crucial macroeconomic data from China, UK CPIs, US retail sales, Bank of Canada’s interest rate decision, and New Zealand’s quarterly CPIs.
- Thursday: Australian labour market data, ECB’s interest rate decision.
- Friday: Catholic countries celebrate Good Friday. No important macro statistics is scheduled.
- Key event of the week: ECB’s interest rate decision.
Monday, April 14
There are no important macro statistics scheduled to be released.
Tuesday, April 15
01:30 – AUD: Reserve Bank of Australia Meeting Minutes
The document is published two weeks after the meeting and the interest rate decision. If the RBA is optimistic about the country’s labor market and GDP growth rate and is hawkish on the inflation outlook, the rate may be increased at the next meeting, which is favorable for the Australian dollar. The bank’s dovish rhetoric on inflation, in particular, is putting pressure on the Australian dollar.
At the recent April 2025 meeting, the RBA decided to keep the key interest rate at 4.10%. Until the February 2025 meeting, RBA leaders had consistently kept the interest rate unchanged at a 12-year high of 4.35% for the ninth consecutive meeting.
According to the accompanying statement, any further monetary policy easing hinges on successfully reducing inflation. If the monetary policy is eased too much or too quickly, there is a risk that disinflation may stall, leaving inflation above the midpoint of the target range. Additionally, the struggling labor market is also holding the RBA back from implementing these measures.
At the press conference after the meeting, Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock said that the Board of Governors was cautious about the prospect of further reductions in borrowing costs. Previously, she stated that rates will remain at the same level and inflation and policy risks are “fairly balanced.”
Nonetheless, Bulock noted that the outlook remains uncertain.
If the released minutes contain unexpected information regarding the RBA monetary policy issues, the volatility in the Australian dollar will increase.
06:00 – GBP: Average Weekly Earnings Over the Last Three Months. Unemployment Rate
The UK Office for National Statistics monthly publishes a report on average weekly earnings covering the period for the last three months, including and excluding bonuses.
This report is a key short-term indicator of employee average earnings changes in the UK. An increase in wages is positive for the British pound, whereas a low indicator value is unfavorable. Forecast: The April report suggests that average earnings, including bonuses, rose again in the last three months, including December, January, and February, after gaining +5.9%, +6.0%, +5.6%, +5.2%, +4.3%, +3.8%, +4.0%, 4.5%, +5.7%, +5.9%, +5.7%, +5.6%, +5.6%, +5.8%, +6.5%, +7.2%, +7.9%, +8.1%, +8.5%, +8.2%, +6.9%, +6.5%, +5.8%, +5.9%, +6.0%, +6.5%, +6.%, +6.1%, +5.5%, +5.2%, +6.4%, +6.8%, +7.0%, +5.6%, +5.7%, +4.8%, +4.3%, +4.2% in previous periods. The earnings value excluding bonuses also increased with percentages at +5.8%, +5.9%, +5.6%, +5.2%, +4.8%, +4.9%, +5.1%, +5.4%, +6.0%, +6.0%, +6.0%, +6.1%, +6.2%, +6.6%, +7.3%, +7.7%, +7.8%, +7.8%, +7.8%, +7.8%, +7.3%, +7.2%, +6.7%, +6.6%, +6.6%, +6.7%, +6.5%, +6.1%, +5.8%, +5.5%, +5.2%, +4.7%, +4.4%, +4.2%, +4.2%, +4.1%, +3.8%, +3.7%, +3.8% in previous periods. These figures show continued growth in employee earnings levels, which is positive for the British pound. If the data outperforms the forecast and/or previous values, the pound will likely strengthen in the currency exchange market. Conversely, if the data falls short of the forecast/previous values, the pound will be negatively affected.
The UK unemployment data will be released at the same time. Unemployment is expected to stand at 4.4% for the three months of December, January, and February, (against 4.4%, 4.4%, 4.4%, 4.3%, 4.3%, 4.0%, 4.1%, 4.2%, 4.4%, 4.4%, 4.3%, 4.2%, 4.0%, 3.8%, 3.9%, 4.0%, 4.1%, 4.2%, 4.3%, 4.2%, 4.0%, 3.9% in previous periods).
Since 2012, the UK unemployment rate has fallen steadily from 8.0% in September 2012. The unemployment decline is a positive factor for the pound, while its growth negatively impacts the currency.
If the UK labor market data appears to be worse than the forecast and/or the previous value, the pound will be under pressure.
Regardless, when the UK labor market data is released, the pound and the London Stock Exchange are expected to experience increased volatility.
08:00 – EUR: Euro Area Bank Lending Survey
A survey of the bank lending system conducted by EU experts in the financial sector is carried out four times a year. The primary goal of the survey is to gather comprehensive information about the conditions of bank lending in the Eurozone.
The ECB officials use this data when making decisions on the bank’s monetary policy. This report may cause increased volatility in the euro and European stock market quotes upon its release if it contains unexpected conclusions regarding lending conditions for businesses and households in the Eurozone.
12:30 – CAD: Canadian Consumer Price Indexes
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) reflects the retail price trends of a selected basket of goods and services. Meanwhile, the Core CPI excludes fruits, vegetables, gasoline, fuel oil, natural gas, mortgage interest, intercity transportation, and tobacco products. The inflation target for the Bank of Canada ranges between 1% and 3%. A higher CPI reading is a sign of a rate hike and is positive for the Canadian dollar.
Previous values:
- CPI: +1.1% (+2.6% YoY) in February, +0.1% (+1.9% YoY) in January 2025, -0.4% (+1.8% YoY) in December 2024, 0% (+1.9% YoY), +0.4% (+2.0% YoY), -0.4% (+1.6% YoY),-0.2% (+2.0% YoY), +0.4% (+2.5% YoY), -0.1% (+2.7% YoY), +0.6% (+2.9% YoY), +0.5% (+2.7% YoY), +0.6% (+2.9% YoY), +0.6% (+2.9% YoY), +0.3% (+2.8% YoY), 0% (+2.9% YoY), -0.3% (+3.4% YoY), +0.1% (+3.1% YoY), +0.1% (+3.1% YoY), -0.1% (+3.8% YoY), +0.4% (+4.0% YoY), +0.6% (+3.3% YoY), +0.1% (+2.8% YoY);
- Core CPI released by the Bank of Canada: +0.7% (+2.7% YoY) in February, +0.4% (+2.1% YoY) in January 2025, +0.3% (+1.8% YoY) in December 2024, -0.1% (+1.6% YoY), +0.4% (+1.7% YoY), 0% (+1.6% YoY), -0.1% (+1.5% YoY), +0.3% (+1.7% YoY), -0.1% (+1.9% YoY), +0.6% (+1.8% YoY), +0.2% (+1.6% YoY), +0.5% (+2.0% YoY), +0.1% (+2.1% YoY), +0.1% (+2, 4% YoY), -0.5% (+2.6% YoY), +0.1% (+2.8% YoY), +0.3% (+2.7% YoY), -0.1% (+2.8% YoY), +0.1% (+3.3% YoY), +0.5% (+3.2% YoY), -0.1% (+3.2% YoY).
The data suggests that inflation continues to decelerate, which prompts the Canadian central bank to consider implementing a dovish monetary policy. If the expected data is worse than the previous values, it will negatively affect the Canadian dollar, but if the data exceeds expectations, it will bolster the currency.
Wednesday, April 16
02:00 – CNY: Industrial Production. Retail Sales
The National Bureau of Statistics of China’s report on industrial production shows the output of Chinese industrial enterprises, such as factories and manufacturing facilities. The increase in industrial production is a positive factor for the yuan, indirectly signaling the possibility of accelerating inflation, which may force the People’s Bank of China to tighten monetary policy.
Conversely, the decline in the indicator value may negatively impact the yuan.
Previous values YoY: +5.9%, +6.2% in January 2025, +5.4%, +5.3%, +5.4%, +4.5%, +5.1%, +5.3%, +5.6%, +6.7%, +4.5%, +7.0%, +6.8%, +6.6%, +4.5%, +3.7%, +4.4%, +3.5%, +5.6%, +3.9%, +2.4% in February 2023.
The retail sales level index, published monthly by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, gauges the change in the aggregate value of sales at the retail level across the country. The index is often viewed as an indicator of consumer confidence and economic prosperity and reflects the state of the retail sector in the near term. An increase in the index value is usually positive for the yuan, while a decrease in the index value will affect it negatively. Previous values YoY: +4.0%, +3.7% in January 2025, +3.0%, +4.8%, +3.2%, +2.1%, +2.7%, +2.0%, +3.7%, +2.3%, +3.1%, +5.5%, +7.4%, +10.1%, +4.6%, +2.5%, +3.1%, +12.7%, +18.4%, +10.6%, +3.5%, -1.8%, -5.9% after +8% in the last months of 2019 and -20.5% in February 2020.
The data indicate that this sector of the Chinese economy continues to recover after a strong decline in February and March 2020. If the data prove weaker than the forecasted or previous values, the yuan may experience a decline, potentially a sharp one.
China is a major buyer of commodities and a supplier of a wide range of finished goods to the global commodity market. 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.
Besides, China is the largest trading partner of Australia and New Zealand, purchasing a significant amount of commodities from these countries.
Therefore, positive macro statistics from China may also exert a positive influence on these commodity currencies. Conversely, if the anticipated data indicates a deceleration in one of the world’s largest economies, it would be a detrimental factor for global stock markets and commodity currencies.
06:00 – GBP: Consumer Price Index. Core Consumer Price Index
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the retail prices of a group of goods and services comprising the UK consumer basket. The CPI is a key indicator of inflation. The British pound’s movement on the currency market and the London Stock Exchange FTSE 100 index performance depend on the release of the CPI data.
In February, the UK consumer inflation rose +0.4% (+2.8% YoY) after +3.0% YoY in January 2025, +0.3% (+2.5% YoY) in December 2024, +0.1% (2.6% YoY), +0,6% (2.3% YoY) in October, 0% (+1.7%YoY) in September, +0.3% (+2.2% YoY) in August, -0.2% (+2.2% YoY) in July, +0.1% (+2.0% YoY) in June, +0.3% (+2.0% YoY) in May, +0.3% (+2, 3% YoY) in April, +0.6% (+3.2% YoY) in March, +0.6% (+3.4% YoY), -0.6% (+4.0% YoY) in January 2024, +0.4% (+4.0% YoY) in December. The data suggests persistent inflationary pressures in the UK, which are expected to bolster the British pound, particularly if the actual data surpasses the forecasted values.
An indicator reading below the forecast/previous value may cause the weakening of the British pound since low inflation will force the Bank of England to stick to the easy monetary policy course.
The Core CPI, published by the Office for National Statistics, measures the price change in a selected basket of goods and services (excluding food and energy) over a given period. It is a key indicator for assessing inflation and changes in consumer preferences. A positive result strengthens the British pound, while a negative outcome weakens it.
In February, the core CPI gained +3.5% YoY, after +3.7% in January 2025, +3.2% in December 2024, +2.6% in November, +3.3% in October, +1.7% in September, +3.6% in August, +3.3% in July, +3.5% in June and May, +3.9%, +4.2%, +4.5%, +5.1% in January 2024, December and November, after rising +5.7% +6.1%, +6.2% three months earlier. The publication will likely positively impact the British pound in the short term if it exceeds the forecasted and previous values. A reading below the forecast and/or previous values may weaken the pound.
12:30 – USD: Retail Sales. Retail Sales Control Group
This Census Bureau report on retail sales reflects the total sales of US retailers of all sizes and types. The change in retail sales is a key indicator of consumer spending. The report is a leading indicator, and the data may be subject to significant revisions in the future. High indicator readings strengthen the US dollar, while low readings weaken it. A relative decline in the indicator may have a short-term negative impact on the US dollar, while a rise in the indicator will positively impact the currency.
In February 2025, the value of the indicator stood at +0.2% (after -0.9% in January, +0.4% in December, +0.7% in November, +0.4% in October and September, +0.1% in August, +1.1% in July, -0.2% in June, +0.2% in May, -0.2% in April, +0.5% in March, +0.7% in February, -1.1% in January 2024).
Retail sales are the main indicator of consumer spending in the United States, showing the change in the retail industry.
Retail sales serve as an indicator of domestic consumption, contributing the most to the US GDP and being one of the main factors of inflation risks increase or decrease. Deterioration of the indicator values is a negative factor for the US dollar. Inflation deceleration may prompt the Fed to begin the process of monetary policy easing.
The Retail Control Group indicator gauges volume in the retail industry and is used to calculate price indexes for most goods. High readings strengthen the US dollar, while low results weaken the currency. A slight increase in the figures is unlikely to boost the dollar. If the data is lower than the previous readings, the dollar may be negatively impacted in the short term. Previous values: +1.0%, -0,8%, +0.7%, +0.4%, -0.1%, +0.7%, +0.3%, +0.4%, +0.9%, +0.4%, -0.3%, +0.9%, 0%, -0.4% in January 2024, +0.6%, +0.2%, +0.2%, +0.2%, +0.2%, +0.7%, +0.3%, +0.4%, +1.0%, -1.2%, -0.1%, +2.6% in January 2023.
13:45 – CAD: Bank of Canada Interest Rate Decision and Accompanying Statement
At its 2022 and 2023 meetings, the Bank of Canada raised its interest rate and advocated for further increases. Since its September 2023 meeting, Canadian policymakers have held the interest rate at 5.00%, assuming that uncertainty caused by high geopolitical tensions around the world and slowing Chinese, American, and European economies will be accompanied by lower demand for oil. As oil is Canada’s primary export commodity, this situation may weaken its economic growth while grappling with high inflation.
However, at the June 5, 2024, meeting, the Bank of Canada slashed the interest rate by 0.25% to 4.75% for the first time since July 2023, making an outright cut of 1.75% (175 bps) in 2024 and then bringing it to the current 2.75% in March 2025.
The central bank’s upcoming decision remains uncertain. The regulator may also take a pause at Wednesday’s meeting.
If the Bank of Canada’s accompanying statement regarding growing inflation and the prospects for further monetary policy signals further tightening, the Canadian dollar will strengthen. Conversely, if the regulator signals the need for a monetary policy easing, the Canadian currency will decline.
14:30 – CAD: Bank of Canada Press Conference
During the press conference, Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem will provide an overview of the bank’s position and assess the current economic situation in the country. If the tone of his speech is tough regarding the Bank of Canada’s monetary policy, the Canadian dollar will strengthen. If Tiff Macklem is in favor of maintaining a soft monetary policy, the Canadian currency will decline.
Besides, Tiff Macklem may share his views on the ongoing trading tension between the US and Canada, including the exchange of tariff hikes that threaten to escalate into a full-scale trade war.
Anyway, the Canadian dollar is expected to be highly volatile during his speech.
22:45 – NZD: Consumer Price Index for Q1 2025
The Consumer Price Index is a key indicator for assessing inflation, which reflects the retail price movements for a group of goods and services comprising the consumer basket. A positive reading strengthens the New Zealand dollar, while a negative one weakens it.
Previous values: +0.5% (+2.2% YoY) in Q4 2024, +0.6% (+2.2% YoY) in Q3, +0.4% (+3.3% YoY) in Q2 2024, +0.6% (+4.0% YoY) in Q1 2024, +0.5% (+4.7% YoY) in Q4 2023, +1.8% (+5.6% YoY) in Q3 2023, +1.1% (+6.0% YoY) in Q2 2023. Annualized values: +6.7% in Q1 2023, +7.2% in Q4 and Q3 2022, +7.3% in Q2, +6.9% in Q1 2022, +5.9% in Q4 2021, +4.9% in Q3 2021, +3.3% in Q2 2021, +1.5% in Q1 2021.
A relative decline in the indicator readings and a value below the forecast may negatively affect the New Zealand dollar.
Thursday, April 17
01:30 – AUD: Employment Rate. Unemployment Rate
The employment rate reflects the monthly change in the number of employed Australian citizens. The increase in the indicator value positively impacts consumer spending, stimulating economic growth. A high reading is positive for the Australian dollar, while a low reading is negative. Previous indicator values: -52,800 in February, +44,000 in January 2025, +56,300 in December 2024, +35,600 in November, +15,900 in October, +64,100 in September, +42,600 in August, +48,900 in July, +52,300 in June, +39,500 in May, +37,400 in April, -6,100 in March, +120,400 in February, +11,900 in January 2024, -58,900 in December 2023, +55,500 in October, +13,400 in September, +62,300 in August, 0 in July, +19,800 in June, +83,800 in May, -14,700 in April, +93,800 in March, +45,100 in February, 23,100 in January 2023.
Besides, the Australian Bureau of Statistics will publish a report on the unemployment rate. It is an indicator that estimates the ratio of the share of the unemployed population to the total number of working-age citizens. The rise in the indicator readings demonstrates the weakening of the labor market, negatively impacting the national economy. A decrease in the indicator is positive for the Australian dollar.
Forecast: Australian unemployment has remained at its lowest levels and stood at 4.1% (against 4.1% in February and January 2025, 4.0% in December 2024, 3.9% in November, 4.1% in October, September, and August, 4.2% in July, 4.1% in June, 4.0% in May, 3.8% in April, 3.7% in March and February, 4.1% in January, 3.9% in December and November, 3.8% in October, 3.6% in September, 3.7% in August and July, 3.5% in June, 3.6% in May, 3.7% in April, 3.5% in March and February, 3.7% in January, 3.5% in December, 3.4% in November and October, 3.5% in September and August, 3.4% in July, 3.5% in June, 3.9% in May and April, 4.0% in March and February, 4.2% in January), while the employment rate has increased.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has repeatedly stated that the Australian economy and the central bank’s plans are influenced by key indicators like the level of household debt and spending, wage growth, and the state of the labor market, in addition to the international trade situation. If the indicator readings are lower than expected, the Australian dollar may decline significantly in the short term, while higher data will strengthen the currency.
12:15 – EUR: European Central Bank’s Interest Rate Decision. ECB Monetary Policy Statement
The European Central Bank will publish its decision on the main refinancing operations and the deposit facility rates, which currently stand at 2.65% and 2.50%, respectively.
The ECB’s tight stance on inflation and the level of key interest rates favor the euro, while a softer stance and lower rates weaken it. Given the high inflation in the Eurozone, according to the ECB leadership, the risk balance for the Eurozone’s economic outlook remains negative.
The ECB warns that GDP growth may slow due to several challenges, including the EU’s energy crisis, heightened economic uncertainties, a global economic slowdown, and tightening financial conditions. Additionally, President Trump’s tariffs complicate an already delicate economic situation, raising the US average tariff rate to 22%, the highest since 1910. For the Eurozone, already facing weakening industrial production and services sector, these tariffs are a significant concern. Analysts indicate that all European exporters will feel the strain, particularly the automobile industry, where tariffs have escalated to 25%.
In light of the current situation, the ECB may lower its deposit rate to below 2.0% and resume quantitative easing, given the high risks of recession in the Eurozone. However, the possibility of taking a pause is not ruled out.
A dovish tone of the statements will negatively impact the euro. Conversely, a hawkish tone regarding the central bank’s monetary policy will bolster the euro.
12:45 – EUR: European Central Bank’s Press Conference
This press conference will draw significant attention from market participants. Volatility may increase not only in euro quotes but also across the entire financial market if the ECB leaders make unexpected statements. ECB executives will evaluate the current economic situation in the Eurozone and provide insights on the bank’s rate decision. Historically, after some ECB meetings and subsequent press conferences, the euro exchange rate experienced fluctuations of 3%–5% in a short time frame.
A dovish tone of the statements will negatively impact the euro. Conversely, a hawkish tone regarding the central bank’s monetary policy will bolster the euro.
Friday, April 18
Christians in Catholic countries will celebrate Good Friday. Banks and stock exchanges will not work on this day. Therefore, trading volumes will be lower than usual.
There are no important macro statistics scheduled to be released.
Price chart of EURUSD in real time mode
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