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Jan 6, 2025, 12:00 PM GMT
#WeeklyExpectations

What to Expect This Week - US NFP, FOMC Meeting Minutes, CPI in Germany, China and More

Berlin, Germany

This week promises to bring several important economic reports and events that will be closely watched by market participants. Key inflation data from Germany, Switzerland, Australia, and China are set to be released, along with the Federal Reserve’s FOMC meeting minutes. The US Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) report, scheduled for Friday, will cap off the week, offering insights into the state of the US labor market. Here’s a closer look at what to expect:

Inflation Data: Germany, Switzerland, Australia, and China

Germany - CPI (Monday)

The week starts with Germany’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) report on Monday. Markets expect a 0.3% monthly increase for December, signaling a moderate rise in inflation. Germany’s inflation has been a focal point for the Eurozone, with the European Central Bank (ECB) adjusting its monetary policy to manage persistent inflationary pressures. A higher-than-expected CPI print could bolster expectations of more tightening from the ECB, while a lower reading could indicate some relief for consumers and businesses.

Switzerland - CPI (Tuesday)

On Tuesday, attention shifts to Switzerland, where inflation has been notably lower compared to its European counterparts. The CPI for December is forecasted to show a -0.1% month-on-month decrease, reflecting a reduction in inflationary pressures. A negative CPI figure would reinforce Switzerland’s reputation for stable prices, but it could also prompt discussions about deflation risks if the trend continues. This data could impact the Swiss National Bank's (SNB) policy stance, especially if inflation remains consistently below target.

Australia - Annual Inflation (Wednesday)

Australia’s annual inflation data for December is scheduled for release on Wednesday, with a consensus forecast of 2.2%. If this figure is accurate, it would reflect a continued moderation in inflation, a trend that has been observed in recent months. With the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) keeping a close eye on inflation trends, a lower-than-expected figure could reduce the need for further rate hikes, easing pressure on Australian households and businesses. Conversely, a higher inflation number could signal the need for continued monetary tightening.

China - Yearly CPI (Thursday)

On Thursday, China will release its yearly CPI data, with markets expecting a modest 0.1% increase. China’s inflation rate has remained subdued in recent months, largely due to weaker domestic demand and soft energy prices. Any surprise to the upside could indicate that inflation is beginning to pick up as the Chinese economy reopens more fully. However, if inflation remains sluggish, it could raise concerns about the strength of China’s economic recovery and the potential for additional fiscal or monetary stimulus.

FOMC Meeting Minutes (Wednesday)

The release of the FOMC meeting minutes on Wednesday will be one of the most closely monitored events of the week. Investors will be looking for insights into the Federal Reserve’s thinking on interest rates and the broader economy. The minutes from the December meeting will shed light on the discussions that led to the latest policy decision and provide clues on whether the Fed is leaning toward further tightening or a more dovish stance in the coming months. Any signals of a prolonged tightening cycle could impact markets, especially equities and bonds, which are sensitive to interest rate expectations.

US Non-Farm Payrolls (Friday)

The week concludes with the US Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) report on Friday. The consensus expectation is for 154,000 new jobs to have been added to the US economy in December. This is a significant report, as it provides a snapshot of the health of the US labor market, a critical factor in shaping Federal Reserve policy. A stronger-than-expected number could strengthen the case for further rate hikes, especially if accompanied by wage growth. On the other hand, a weaker print could signal that the labor market is cooling, possibly leading the Fed to reconsider its aggressive rate hike path.

Conclusion

This week is packed with high-impact economic data, including inflation reports from several major economies, the FOMC meeting minutes, and the US NFP report. These events will not only influence financial markets but also provide key insights into the health of the global economy and the potential direction of monetary policy in the months ahead. Investors should be prepared for potential market volatility as these reports are released, particularly if any of the data comes in significantly above or below expectations.