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Feb 3, 2025, 12:00 PM GMT
#WeeklyExpectations

What to Expect This Week: Eurozone CPI, OPEC+ Meetings, US NFP, BoE Rate Decision and More

Bank of England, London, UK

This week promises to be packed with crucial economic data and events that will likely impact global markets. Investors and traders will be keeping a close eye on inflation figures from the Eurozone, critical OPEC+ meetings, U.S. employment data, and a key interest rate decision from the Bank of England (BoE). These events will shape the market sentiment for currencies, equities, commodities, and more. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

1. Eurozone CPI and Core CPI Data (Monday)

Kicking off the week is the much-anticipated release of the Eurozone’s inflation figures. The Annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Core CPI data will be released on Monday, and markets are bracing for potential surprises. The consensus forecast for the Eurozone’s headline CPI is 2.4%, while Core CPI, which excludes volatile items such as food and energy, is expected to come in at 2.6%.

Investors will be particularly focused on these figures as they provide insights into inflationary pressures in the region. With the European Central Bank (ECB) maintaining a vigilant stance on inflation, any significant deviation from the consensus could spark reactions in European bond yields and the euro. If inflation prints higher than expected, it could pressure the ECB to maintain or tighten its policy, supporting the euro. On the flip side, weaker inflation data might soften rate hike expectations, potentially weighing on the currency.

2. OPEC-JMMC Meetings (Monday)

Simultaneously, energy markets will be watching the OPEC+ Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) meetings, which are scheduled to take place all day on Monday. These meetings will bring together key oil-producing nations to discuss production levels and assess the current state of the oil market.

OPEC+ has been carefully managing production to balance supply and demand amid fluctuating global growth expectations. With oil prices stabilizing in recent weeks, any indication of production cuts or increases could cause volatility in crude prices. Markets will be looking for signals on whether OPEC+ intends to adjust output to respond to global demand shifts, geopolitical tensions, or other factors impacting energy markets.

3. U.S. Manufacturing PMI (Monday) and Services PMI (Wednesday)

In the U.S., the focus will shift to PMI data, with the Manufacturing PMI scheduled for Monday and Services PMI on Wednesday. The Manufacturing PMI is expected to come in at 49.3, indicating that the sector remains in contraction territory (a reading below 50 suggests contraction). This data will provide insights into the state of U.S. manufacturing, which has been grappling with supply chain challenges, inflationary pressures, and softer demand.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Services PMI is forecast at 54.2, which would signal expansion in the services sector. Given that services account for a significant portion of the U.S. economy, a strong number here could fuel optimism about economic resilience despite headwinds in other sectors.

4. Bank of England (BoE) Rate Decision (Thursday)

One of the most closely watched events this week will be the Bank of England’s (BoE) monetary policy decision, set to take place on Thursday. Market consensus is that the BoE will cut its official bank rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 4.50%. This anticipated rate cut follows signs of cooling inflation in the UK, as well as concerns about slowing economic growth.

Investors will pay close attention to the BoE’s accompanying statement and Governor Andrew Bailey’s remarks, looking for guidance on future policy moves. While a rate cut is largely priced in, any deviation from expectations could lead to significant volatility in GBP pairs and the broader UK market. Should the BoE signal further cuts, the pound could weaken, while a more cautious approach could support the currency.

5. U.S. Employment Data (ADP, Unemployment Claims, NFP)

The U.S. employment data will be under the spotlight this week, with several key reports set for release. On Wednesday, the ADP Employment Report is expected to show that 149,000 new jobs were added in January. This data often serves as a precursor to the highly anticipated Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) report due on Friday.

On Thursday, markets will digest the weekly initial unemployment claims data, with consensus expecting 214,000 claims. A lower-than-expected number would suggest continued strength in the U.S. labor market, potentially supporting the dollar and risk assets.

Finally, the main event of the week will be Friday’s NFP report, with consensus expectations of 154,000 jobs added last month. The labor market has remained robust in recent months, and a strong NFP report could boost expectations for further tightening from the Federal Reserve. However, weaker data may spark concerns about an economic slowdown, influencing Fed policy expectations and risk sentiment.

Market Implications and Outlook

This week’s lineup of economic events and data releases will be crucial in shaping market sentiment across multiple asset classes. Eurozone inflation figures could sway ECB policy expectations, while U.S. employment data will provide clarity on the health of the world’s largest economy. Oil traders will look to OPEC+ meetings for cues on supply adjustments, while the BoE’s rate decision will drive movements in GBP.

As volatility is likely to pick up, traders will need to stay nimble and be prepared for potential surprises across the board.