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    

Japan Q3 GDP – Dec. 8  
Reserve Bank of Australia Interest Rate Decision – Dec. 9  
US JOLTS Job Openings – Dec. 9  
China CPI – Dec. 10  
US Employment Cost Index – Dec. 10  
Bank of Canada Interest Rate Decision – Dec. 10  
US Federal Reserve Interest Rate Decision – Dec. 10  
Australia Unemployment Rate – Dec. 11  
Swiss National Bank Interest Rate Decision – Dec. 11  
UK GDP – Dec. 12  
Germany CPI – Dec. 12 

Top Things to Watch   

Fed in Focus with Markets Leaning Toward a December Cut    

The FOMC will announce its interest rate decision on Wednesday where markets currently see a strong likelihood of a rate cut. Recent data has strengthened this view, with softer labour market indicators and signs of slowing economic momentum putting pressure on the committee to ease policy.  

However, policymakers remain divided. Some officials argue that additional support is needed to sustain growth, while others caution that lingering inflation risks warrant a more careful approach. This split means the tone of the upcoming statement will be closely watched for guidance on the path ahead.  

Why is Gold trending?  

 Gold 4H Chart / Source: TradingView 

Gold reached its highest level in six weeks as soft US labor data reinforced expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut this week. The sharp decline in private sector hiring added to signs of a cooling economy and supported the broader dovish shift in market sentiment. The data aligned with recent dovish remarks from Fed officials, pushing rate futures to price in almost a 90% chance of a quarter-point cut.  

A weaker US dollar also helped lift gold, making it more appealing to investors. At the same time, global uncertainty and risk-off flows continue to boost safe-haven demand, with both investors and central banks increasing their exposure to gold ahead of key policy decisions.   

RBA Eyes Steady Rates as Markets Price a Hawkish Tilt   

The Reserve Bank of Australia will announce its interest rate decision on Tuesday with current market expectations pointing to the central bank keeping interest rates unchanged at 3.6%, maintaining the same stance it adopted at its previous meeting.  

However, the tone of the RBA’s upcoming statement is drawing close attention. Recent data pointed to stronger household spending and a renewed lift in inflation, prompting speculation that the bank may lean more hawkish. This has raised discussions that future policy tightening could return to the table rather than additional rate-cut expectations.  

BOC Set to Hold as Growth Strength Faces Global Risks   

Also, the Bank of Canada’s next interest-rate decision is scheduled on Wednesday. Following its rate cut in late October, analysts widely expect the central bank to hold steady this time as it evaluates how recent policy moves are filtering through the economy.  

Recent economic signals, including a stronger-than-expected rebound in growth and continued labor-market resilience, have reduced expectations for additional near-term easing. Still, global uncertainties and ongoing trade pressures suggest the BOC is likely to remain cautious and data-dependent before shifting its policy stance again.  

SNB Likely to Stay Put as Inflation Falls    

The Swiss National Bank will meet and announce its interest rate decision on Thursday, with recent remarks from officials indicating that the current interest-rate stance is viewed as appropriate, with little immediate pressure to adjust policy.  

However, a period of very low inflation, including a recent decline in consumer prices, has sparked speculation about the possibility of further easing. Despite this, most analysts expect the SNB to keep rates unchanged for now, noting that a return to negative rates is unlikely unless economic conditions deteriorate significantly.