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 Flash Q4 GDP – Feb. 16
  • Reserve Bank of Australia Meeting Minutes – Feb. 17
  • UK Claimant Count Change – Feb. 17
  • UK Unemployment Rate – Feb. 17
  • Canada CPI – Feb. 17
  • Reserve Bank of New Zealand Interest Rate Decision – Feb. 18
  • UK CPI – Feb. 18
  • FOMC Minutes – Feb. 18
  • Australia Unemployment Rate – Feb. 19
  • UK Retail Sales – Feb. 20
  • Eurozone PMI – Feb. 20
  • UK PMI – Feb. 20
  • US Core PCE Index – Feb. 20
  • US Q4 GDP – Feb. 20
  • US PMI – Feb. 20

Top Things to Watch

Fed Minutes and Key Data to Shape Rate Expectations

The spotlight will be on the release of the FOMC minutes, offering deeper insight into policymakers’ internal debates. This will be followed on Friday by advance Q4 GDP and the Core PCE index, two key indicators that will help determine whether growth remains resilient and whether inflation is cooling enough to justify adjustments in the Federal Reserve’s rate path.

Economic Momentum Test: What the PMI Surveys Reveal

Global PMI data releases throughout the week will provide a timely snapshot of business activity across major economies, helping investors gauge whether manufacturing and services momentum is stabilizing or slipping further into contraction territory.

A Crucial Read on Japan’s Economic Resilience

Japan’s economic outlook will come into clearer view with GDP figures on Monday and inflation data on Friday. These releases will be critical in assessing the strength of domestic demand and price pressures, with potential implications for the Bank of Japan’s policy normalization trajectory.

USD/JPY 4H Chart / Source: TradingView

Inflation and Wages: The Deciding Factors for the BoE

The UK will be in focus early in the week, with labor market data on Tuesday followed by CPI on Wednesday. Together, these releases will shape expectations around wage pressures, inflation persistence, and the Bank of England’s next policy steps, particularly as markets assess whether rate cuts can proceed without reigniting price risks.

RBNZ Decision in Focus: Tightening, Pause, or Pivot?

Attention then turns to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand as the central bank delivers its interest rate decision on Wednesday. Investors will scrutinize the tone of the statement for clues on whether policymakers are leaning toward further tightening, a prolonged pause, or preparing the ground for eventual easing amid shifting growth dynamics.