With a new trading week comes new opportunities.  

So, we’ve gathered insights for the week ahead that highlight the current trends, scheduled events and potential movers to watch. Let’s get started.   

Calendar Events  

Canada CPI – Dec.15 
UK Average Earnings – Dec. 16 
UK Employment Change – Dec. 16 
UK Claimant Count Change – Dec. 16 
UK Unemployment Rate – Dec. 16 
Eurozone PMI – Dec. 16 
UK PMI – Dec. 16 
US Unemployment Rate – Dec. 16 
US Non-Farm Payrolls – Dec. 16 
US Average Hourly Earnings – Dec. 16 
US Retail Sales – Dec. 16 
US PMI – Dec. 16 
UK CPI – Dec. 17 
New Zealand GDP – Dec. 18 
Bank of England Interest Rate Decision – Dec. 18 
European Central Bank Interest Rate Decision – Dec. 18 
US CPI – Dec. 18 
Bank of Japan Interest Rate Decision – Dec. 19 
UK Retail Sales – Dec. 19 

Top Things to Watch  

A Big Week for US Data and Market Direction  

This week features several high-impact US data releases that could drive market sentiment. On Tuesday, traders will watch NFP, retail sales, and the flash PMI readings for signals on the labor market and demand strength. Focus then shifts to Thursday’s CPI report, which is likely to shape expectations for the Federal Reserve’s next policy moves. 

Why is Gold trending? 

Gold climbed to its highest level in over a month last week after the Fed’s 25-bp rate cut weakened the dollar, while silver hit a record high. Softer labor data and higher jobless claims reinforced bets on two Fed cuts in 2026, as Chair Powell signaled further hikes are off the table, despite more cautious official projections. 

Gold 4H Chart / Source: TradingView

 Rate Cut Expectations Build at the Bank of England 

The Bank of England is expected to cut rates by 25 basis points to 3.75% on Thursday, as easing inflation and softer labour market data shift a previously split committee toward easing. Governor Andrew Bailey has signaled openness to a cut as inflation fell to 3.6% in October, with upcoming data, a tax-raising budget, and a slight rise in unemployment likely tipping a narrow majority of MPC members in favor.  

ECB Set to Hold as Inflation Pressures Linger 

The European Central Bank will meet on Thursday and is expected to hold its key rate at 2% for a fourth straight meeting, even as markets begin to speculate about a possible rate hike in 2026. Stronger-than-expected Q3 growth and stickier inflation have shifted expectations, though President Christine Lagarde has reiterated that policy remains in a good place for now.  

BOJ Nears a Rate Hike 

The Bank of Japan is widely expected to raise rates by 25 basis points to 0.75% on Friday, marking its first hike since January. Economists also see borrowing costs rising to at least 1% by late September next year, with the move tolerated by the government amid inflation risks and yen weakness, while wage negotiations remain a key factor in timing.