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16 December Week Ahead: Rate Decisions, PMIs, Inflation & Earnings

December may be nearing its end, but its financial and market events are far from over, with some of this year’s final central bank rate decisions, inflation date, and purchasing managers’ index (PMI) releases taking place.

Let’s dive into the 16 December week ahead:

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Central Bank Rate Decisions 

Some of the final central bank meetings of the year are expected to take place this week, the Federal Reserve, the Bank of England (BoE), and the Bank of Japan (BoJ) being the main ones: 

Fed Rate Decision

The Fed is expected to decide on interest rates for the last time this year on 17-18 December (Tuesday-Wednesday). The US central bank is largely expected to cut interest rates. However, some note that this cutting cycle will be “gradual.” Among the factors that will affect this rate decision are the Trump presidency and the fact that US inflation is increasing MoM while the job market is easing. 

BoE Rate Decision

The BoE will meet on Thursday, 19 December, and is expected to maintain benchmark rates unchanged at 4.75%. Inflation will influence the decision, especially because it exceeded the BoE’s 2% target range in October after dropping below it earlier this year as rising energy costs took a toll on the UK’s economy. (Source: The Independent)

BoJ Rate Decision 

The BoJ is set to meet on 18-19 December (Wednesday-Thursday). The BoJ’s rate decision seems to be more blurry than its peers as the markets expect a 50/50 chance of more rate increases. This is the opposite of other central banks, which are easing policies rather than tightening them. Traders and consumers may want to note that Asia’s second-largest economy is grappling with a weakening currency, rising uncertainties from the Japanese elections, and higher consumer prices.

PMI Releases

The PMI, a key measure of the manufacturing and services sectors, will be released today, Monday, 16 December, from some of the world’s largest economies. 

What will the reports reveal about the manufacturing and services sectors in these countries?

Inflation Data

Key inflation indicators will be published this week, providing valuable insights about the global economies as we near a new year. Here are the main ones:

Is inflation nearing these countries’ central banks’ targets, or are we in for another inflation-stubborn year?

Earnings Reports

Earnings reports will be released this week from the following companies:

What will these companies' reports reveal about the state of the economy?

Conclusion

In conclusion, this week is set to be eventful. Some of the world’s most influential central banks are set to decide on rates for the last time this year as inflation data and PMI get released. In addition, earnings season will continue with reports from the biggest names in the corporate world. All of these events are key to understanding the overall economy and what may be lying ahead in the months to come in the new year. As such, traders and analysts may want to keep tabs on these events’ results and keep track of any upcoming key financial and market events to navigate the markets with more ease.

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