A series of key economic data releases and central bank decisions is scheduled for 12 August 2025. At 0430 GMT, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is expected to cut its interest rate from 3.85% to 3.60%
The Bank of England appears set to cut interest rates for the fifth time in a year this Thursday, likely lowering the Bank Rate from 4.25% to 4% in response to a slowing labour market
New Zealand's labour market remained soft in the second quarter, with the unemployment rate inching up to 5.2% from 5.1% previously, slightly below 5.3%.
The U.S. ISM Services PMI stood at 50.8 in June 2025, signalling a modest expansion in the services sector after dipping slightly below the 50-mark in May.
U.S. stocks tumbled last Friday, with the S&P 500 heading for its sharpest daily loss in over three months.
Several key economic releases are scheduled for the week of 4 – 8 August 2025. On Monday, 4 August at 0630 GMT, Switzerland will release its CPI m/m data, with June showing a +0.2% rise and July expected to remain steady.
U.S. non-farm employment rose by 147,000 in June, but July’s forecast is lower at 106,000, suggesting slower job growth as businesses grow cautious amid tighter credit and economic uncertainty.
The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady in a split decision, offering no clear signal on when rate cuts might begin.
Australian consumer prices rose at their slowest pace in over four years during the June quarter, reinforcing market expectations of a rate cut next month.
The U.S. dollar strengthened against the euro and yen on Monday after the United States and European Union reached a trade agreement, easing fears of a global trade war.
The United States and the European Union reached a framework trade agreement on Sunday, avoiding a major trade conflict by settling on a 15% import tariff on most EU goods
The U.S. JOLTs job openings for May stood at 7.769 million, with June’s figure (due 29 July, 1400 GMT) expected to fall to 7.1 million, signalling a cooling labour market under tight Fed policy.
Gold is trading near $3,365 per ounce on Friday after two consecutive sessions of losses. Market participants are closely watching tariff talks, with the U.S. and EU reportedly nearing a deal, following a separate agreement between Washington and Japan.
The European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to hold interest rates steady on Thursday, pausing after seven consecutive rate cuts over the past year.
U.S. stock futures edged higher on Wednesday following President Trump’s announcement of a new trade deal with Japan, which includes a 15% tariff on Japanese exports.
The U.S. dollar index extended its decline on Monday, falling below the 98 mark as investor sentiment remained cautious.
Gold prices climbed to around $3,350 per ounce on Monday as market jitters over President Donald Trump's tariff agenda intensified. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reaffirmed on Sunday that August 1 marks a firm deadline for implementing the so-called reciprocal tariffs.
The week begins with Japan’s Upper House election on Sunday, July 20 (All Day), a major political test for PM Ishiba’s coalition, which risks losing its majority amid rising voter discontent.
A fresh round of strong U.S. economic data, including robust retail sales and a solid Philly Fed business index, boosted risk appetite on Thursday.
