Choppiness in U.S. stocks is expected to persist this week as investors grapple with the prospect of swifter monetary tightening and escalating geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine. And a new read on retail sales will be released Wednesday giving investors more insights into consumer spending.
Concerns over military action by the Kremlin have created a new headwind for investors, particularly after the White House warned on Friday that a possible invasion of Ukraine by Russia could come within days. The statement dealt a fresh blow to markets.
Consensus economists are expecting to see retail sales, released by the U.S. Census Bureau, rise by 2% in January compared to December’s decrease of 1.9%, but sales excluding autos, gasoline, building materials and food services is expected to rise at a softer 0.8%, according to Bloomberg data. This would compare to December’s decline of 2.3%.
Boris Johnson is love-bombing Scots on Valentine’s Day with a pledge to boost trade and business by creating two “green freeports” north of the border.
The prime minister is visiting Scotland on day one of a “levelling-up” tour of the UK which will also take him to England’s Northwest and Northeast regions this week.
Freeports are tax-free zones around docks, airports or railway hubs designed to boost economic growth by exempting goods arriving in them from tax and customs charges.
They are a key part of the government’s levelling-up agenda, which Mr Johnson is promoting during his tour this week.
Another freeport in Wales is expected to be announced shortly.
Green freeports help inject billions into the local economy, while levelling-up by creating jobs for local people, and opportunities for people all over the UK to flourish.
Keep an eye on the GBP to see if there is an opportunity to trade!
This Week’s High Impact Events
The times below are GMT +2.
Monday 14th February
18.00 – US – FOMC Member Bullard Speaks
Potential instruments to Trade: USD Crosses.
Tuesday 15th February
02.30 – Australia – Monetary Policy Meeting Minutes
Potential instruments to Trade: AUD Crosses.
12.00 – Europe – ZEW & German ZEW Economic Sentiment
Potential instruments to Trade: EUR Crosses.
15.30 – US – PPI m/m, Core PPI m/m, & Empire State Manufacturing Index
Potential instruments to Trade: USD Crosses.
Wednesday 16th February
09.00 – UK – CPI y/y
Potential instruments to Trade: GBP Crosses.
15.30 – Canada – CPI m/m
Potential instruments to Trade: USD & CAD Crosses.
02.30 – Australia – Employment Change & Unemployment Rate
Potential instruments to Trade: AUD Crosses.
Friday 18th February
No High Impact Events – however there are many medium impact events including the latest G20 Meetings, and releases from the FOMC. Keep an eye on the markets!
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