Key Events This Week The European Central Bank (ECB) interest rate decision On August 22, Thursday the ECB will meet to decide on the key interest rate. With high inflation and slowing economic growth, any rate change could have a significant impact on European markets and the Euro.   People’s Bank of China’s benchmark lending rate – forecast 3.35% August 20 , Tuesday – Currently, the benchmark lending rate is formed based on rates with two loan maturities: one year and over five years. 18 banks are the data providers for the formation of the benchmark lending rate.   OPEC World Oil Market Report OPEC’s monthly report is expected…

  Key Events This Week Markets Next Week: Inflation, Retail Sales and Geopolitics. US inflation: A decline is expected, but markets will closely monitor the pace of cooling. The results will influence expectations for a Fed rate cut in September. Retail Sales: An important indicator of the state of consumer demand. Weak data could heighten recession fears. Fed Speeches: Comments from Fed officials will be scrutinised for hints of future monetary policy. Volatility: Markets remain volatile due to recession fears, geopolitical tensions and possible continued correction in global financial flows. Corporate earnings: Reports from major retailers Home Depot and Walmart are expected to provide insight into the consumer market. Oil: Oil prices are rising amid concerns…

  US markets fall amid fears of economic crisis   Global markets are falling as investors fear the possibility of an economic slowdown following a weak US jobs report. The broad market fell sharply and the Nasdaq entered correction territory. Recession fears were heightened by a combination of weak economic data and the Federal Reserve’s stance on monetary policy.   Key market factors:   Weak US jobs report: Lower-than-expected job growth and a higher unemployment rate added to recession fears. Federal Reserve policy: Uncertainty about the Fed’s ability to deliver a soft landing and possible policy missteps. Market Correction: The Nasdaq’s drop of more than 10% from its peak suggests…

  Buy stocks when there’s blood in the streets The strategy “Buy stocks when there is blood in the streets” is an old investment maxim that, while brutal, reflects some historical experience. It is attributed to various famous investors, including Baron Rothschild.   The idea is that during periods of high market volatility caused by crises, wars or other major events, stock prices often fall well below their real value. Investors who are able to overcome fear and buy stocks during such times can make substantial profits when the market begins to recover. Panic and sell-offs: During crises, investors often panic and sell their stocks at low prices without assessing…

Key events for Financial Markets this week   Key indicators to watch >>>   Existing Home Sales (Jun): This measures the number of previously owned homes sold in June. A higher than expected figure would indicate a strong housing market. S&P Global US Manufacturing PMI (Jul): This index reflects the level of activity in the US manufacturing sector. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 indicates contraction. S&P Global US Services PMI (Jul): Similar to the manufacturing PMI, but for the services sector. BoC rate decision: The Bank of Canada will announce its interest rate decision. A hike will indicate concerns about inflation, while a hold or cut will…

This Week’s Major U.S. Economic Reports & Fed Speakers (July 8th – 12th)   Key Events: Federal Reserve Officials Speak: Fed Chairman Jerome Powell testifies before Congress on both Tuesday (Senate) and Wednesday (House). Other Fed officials speaking this week include: Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barr (Tuesday) Governor Michelle Bowman (Tuesday & Wednesday) Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee (Wednesday) Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic (Thursday) St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem (Thursday) Governor Lisa Cook (Thursday) Inflation Data: The highly anticipated Consumer Price Index (CPI) for June is released on Thursday. This report will provide insights into inflation levels and could impact markets. Consumer Sentiment: The preliminary reading of…

Key events for financial markets this week   US Inflation: On Friday, we’ll find out if inflation finally calms down, which could affect how soon the Fed decides to cut interest rates. Technology stocks: The tech sector is in decline, but some fear it could overheat. Investors may look to other sectors, such as the financial sector or smaller companies, for potential bargains. Oil prices: Oil prices are a bit nervous. Geopolitical tensions and a strong dollar could push them down, although they have been rising recently. Inflation in Europe: Data from some European countries will give an indication of inflation there. This will affect how many times the European…

Key events for financial markets this week   US:   Retail Sales: Expected to rise 0.3% in May, after stagnating in April. Investors will be assessing the impact of the Fed’s interest rate hike on consumer spending. Fed Speeches: Fed speakers including John Williams, Neel Kashkari, Mary Daley and Thomas Barkin will comment on the state of the economy and outlook.   China:   Economic Data: Publication of industrial production, unemployment rate, retail sales and housing prices for May. Investors will be watching for signs of economic recovery. Rate Decision: The People’s Bank of China is expected to cut its lending rate on Thursday to support the economy.   Central…

Key events for financial markets this week   This week, events with a major impact on the economy are expected in the global financial markets: central bank decisions and the publication of key economic data will be in the spotlight.   Fed Focus: The Federal Reserve wraps up its two-day meeting on Wednesday, and no changes in interest rates are expected. However, the market is eagerly awaiting updated economic forecasts that will likely signal two rate cuts before the end of 2024. Inflation data for May, released just prior to the Fed’s announcement, will be critical. Further signs of weakening inflation could reinforce expectations of a rate cut, especially given…