Ongoing developments involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz continue to influence markets. The pattern is clear: as oil prices rise, inflation expectations increase, which in turn boosts the likelihood of Fed policy tightening or, at the very least, puts a pause on policy easing, leading to higher Treasury yields and a stronger US dollar.
Nevertheless, in the upcoming week of May 18–24, 2026, market participants will focus on the publication of key macroeconomic data from China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, Germany, the Eurozone, and the US, as well as the outcome of the People's Bank of China's meeting.
Note: During the coming week, new events may be added to the calendar, and/or some scheduled events may be canceled. GMT time
The article covers the following subjects:
Major Takeaways
- Monday: key macroeconomic data from China and Japan's GDP.
- Tuesday: RBA's May meeting minutes, UK labor market data, and Canada's CPI figures.
- Wednesday: PBOC's meeting, UK CPI data, Fed's April meeting minutes.
- Thursday: Australian labor market data, preliminary PMI from Germany, the Eurozone, the UK, and the US, and retail sales in New Zealand.
- Friday: UK retail sales.
- Key event of the week: FOMC's April meeting minutes.
Monday, May 18
02:00 – CNY: China's Industrial Production. Retail Sales
The National Bureau of Statistics of China's report on industrial production reflects the output of the country's industrial enterprises, including factories and manufacturing facilities. The increase in industrial production is a positive factor for the yuan, indirectly signaling the possibility of accelerating inflation, which may force the People's Bank of China to tighten monetary policy.
Conversely, the decline in the indicator value may negatively impact the yuan.
Previous values YoY: +5.7%, +6.3%, +5.2% in December 2025, +4.8%, +4.9%, +6.5%, +5.2%, +5.7% in July 2025.
The retail sales index, published monthly by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, gauges the change in the aggregate value of sales at the retail level across the country. The index is often viewed as an indicator of consumer confidence and economic prosperity and reflects the state of the retail sector in the near term. An increase in the index value is usually positive for the yuan, while a decrease in the index value will affect it negatively. Previous values YoY: +1.7%, +2.8%, +0.9% in December 2025, +1.3%, +2.9%, +3.0%, +3.4%, +3.7%, +4.8%, +6.4%, +5.1%, +5.9%, +4.0%, +3.7% in December 2024.
The data indicate that this sector of the Chinese economy continues to recover after a strong decline in February and March 2020. If the data prove weaker than the forecasted or previous values, the yuan may experience a decline, potentially a sharp one.
China is a major buyer of commodities and a supplier of a wide range of finished goods to the global commodity market. Since China's economy is the second largest in the world, the release of its significant macroeconomic indicators can profoundly influence the overall financial market.
Besides, China is the largest trading partner of Australia and New Zealand, purchasing a significant amount of commodities from these countries.
Therefore, positive macro statistics from China may also exert a positive influence on these commodity currencies. Conversely, if the anticipated data indicates a deceleration in one of the world's largest economies, it would be a detrimental factor for global stock markets and commodity currencies.
23:50 – JPY: Japan GDP for Q1 2026 (Preliminary Estimate)
GDP is a measure of a country's overall economic condition, which assesses the rate of growth or decline of a country's economy. The Gross Domestic Product report, published by the Cabinet Office of Japan, represents the total value of all final goods and services produced by Japan over a certain period in monetary terms. A rising trend in GDP is seen as positive for the yen, while a low reading is seen as negative.
In Q4 2025 the country's GDP stood at +0.3% (+1.3% YoY) after -0.6% (-2.6% YoY) in Q3, +0.5% (+2.1% YoY) in Q2, 0% (-0.2% YoY) in Q1 2025, +0.6% (+2.2% YoY) in Q4 2024, +0.3% (+0.9% YoY) in Q3, +1.0% (+3.9% YoY) in Q2, -0.3% (-1.3% YoY) in Q1 2024, -0.1% (-0.4% YoY) in Q4 2023. The data suggests a bumpy recovery for the Japanese economy after it collapsed due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
The forecast implies that Japan's GDP increased in Q1 2026, which is positive for the yen. Readings that exceed expectations will undoubtedly bolster the yen and Japanese stock indices. Conversely, underperformance will exert pressure on them.
Tuesday, May 19
01:30 – AUD: Reserve Bank of Australia Meeting Minutes
The document is published two weeks after the meeting and the interest rate decision. If the RBA is optimistic about the country's labor market and GDP growth rate and is hawkish on the inflation outlook, the rate may be increased at the next meeting, which is favorable for the Australian dollar. The bank's dovish rhetoric on inflation, in particular, is putting pressure on the Australian dollar.
At the May meeting, the interest rate was raised by 0.25% to 4.35%.
RBA Governor Michele Bullock described the new monetary policy stance as "a bit restrictive" and said the Board believes it has given itself some space to pause and assess the evolving consequences of the war in Iran and their impact on growth and inflation. The RBA is now likely to pause in order to evaluate the effects further.
If the released minutes contain unexpected information regarding the RBA's monetary policy issues, the volatility in the Australian dollar will increase.
06:00 – GBP: Average Weekly Earnings Over the Last Three Months. Unemployment Rate
The UK Office for National Statistics publishes a report on average weekly earnings covering the period for the last three months, including and excluding bonuses.
This report is a key short-term indicator of employee average earnings changes in the UK. An increase in wages is positive for the British pound, whereas a low indicator value is unfavorable. Forecast: The May report suggests that average earnings, including bonuses, rose again over the last three months (January–March) after gaining +3.8%, +3.9%, +4.2%, +4.7%, +4.7%, +4.8%, +5.0%, +4.7%, +4.6%, +5.0%, +5.3%, +5.5%, +5.6%, +5.9%, +6.0%, +5.6%, +5.2%, +4.3%, +3.8%, +4.0%, +4.5%, +5.7%, +5.9%, +5.7%, +5.6%, +5.6%, +5.8%, +6.5%, +7.2%, +7.9%, +8.1%, +8.5%, +8.2%, +6.9%, +6.5%, +5.8%, +5.9%, +6.0%, +6.5%, +6.0%, +6.1%, +5.5%, +5.2%, +6.4%, +6.8%, +7.0%, +5.6%, +5.7%, +4.8%, +4.3%, +4.2% in previous periods). Average earnings excluding bonuses likewise increased after gaining 3.8%, 4.2%, +4.5%, +4.6%, +4.6%, +4.7%, +4.8%, +5.0%, +5.0%, +5.2%, +5.6%, +5.9%, +5.8%, +5.9%, +5.6%, +5.2%, +4.8%, +4.9%, +5.1%, +5.4%, +6.0%, +6.0%, +6.0%, +6.1%, +6.2%, +6.6%, +7.3%, +7.7%, +7.8%, +7.8%, +7.8%, +7.3%, +7.2%, +6.7%, +6.6%, +6.6%, +6.7%, +6.5%, +6.1%, +5.8%, +5.5%, +5.2%, +4.7%, +4.4%, +4.2%, +4.2%, +4.1%, +3.8%, +3.7%, +3.8% in previous periods). These figures show continued growth in employee earnings levels, which is favorable for the pound. If the figures turn out to be better than the forecast and/or previous values, the currency will likely strengthen. If the data falls short of expectations, the pound will likely weaken.
The UK unemployment data will be released at the same time. Unemployment is expected to stand at 4.9% over the last three months (January–March), after 4.9%, 5.2%, 5.2%, 5.1%, 5.1%, 5.0%, 4.8%, 4.7%, 4.7%, 4.6%, 4.6%, 4.5%, 4.4%, 4.4%, 4.4%, 4.3%, 4.3%, 4.0%, 4.1%, 4.2%, 4.4%, 4.4%, 4.3%, 4.2%, 4.0%, 3.8%, 3.9%, 4.0%, 4.1%, 4.2%, 4.3%, 4.2%, 4.0%, 3.9% in previous periods).
Since 2012, the UK unemployment rate has fallen steadily from 8.0% in September 2012. The unemployment decline is a positive factor for the pound, while its growth negatively impacts the currency.
If the UK labor market data appears to be worse than the forecast and/or the previous value, the pound will be under pressure.
Regardless, when the UK labor market data is released, the pound and the London Stock Exchange are expected to experience increased volatility.
12:30 – CAD: Canada's Consumer Price Indexes
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) reflects the retail price trends of a selected basket of goods and services. Meanwhile, the Core CPI excludes fruits, vegetables, gasoline, fuel oil, natural gas, mortgage interest, intercity transportation, and tobacco products. The inflation target for the Bank of Canada ranges between 1% and 3%. A higher CPI reading is a sign of a rate hike and is positive for the Canadian dollar.
Previous values:
- CPI: +0.9% (+2.4% YoY), +0.5% (+1.8% YoY), 0% (+2.3% YoY) in January 2026, +0.1% (+2.2% YoY), 0.2% (+2.2% YoY), +0.1% (+2.4% YoY), -0.1% (+1.9% YoY), +0.3% (+1.7% YoY), +0.1% (+1.9% YoY), +0.6% (+1.7% YoY), -0.1% (+1.7% YoY) in April, +0.3% (+2.3% YoY) in March, +1.1% (+2.6% YoY) in February, +0.1% (+1.9% YoY) in January 2025, -0.4% (+1.8% YoY) in December 2024.
- Core CPI released by the Bank of Canada: +0.2% (+2.5% YoY), +0.4% (+2.3% YoY), +0.2% (+2.6% YoY) in January 2026, +0.2% (+2.9% YoY), +0.6% (+2.9% YoY), +0.3% (+2.8% YoY), 0% (+2.6% YoY), +0.1% (+2.6% YoY), +0.1% (+2.7% YoY), +0.6% (+2.5% YoY), +0.5% (+2.5% YoY) in April, -0.2% (+2.2% YoY) in March, +0.7% (+2.7% YoY) in February, +0.4% (+2.1% YoY) in January 2025, +0.3% (+1.8% YoY) in December 2024.
The data suggest that moderate inflationary pressures persist, which will likely prompt the Bank of Canada to maintain a pause for now. If the expected data is worse than the previous values, it will negatively affect the Canadian dollar, but if the data exceeds expectations, it will bolster the currency.
Wednesday, May 20
01:15 – CNY: People's Bank of China Interest Rate Decision
Since May 2012, the People's Bank of China has been lowering its interest rate to support Chinese manufacturers. Last time, the bank reduced the rate in May 2025 after a long pause, bringing the rate down by 0.1% to its current level of 3.00%.
What will the Chinese central bank do this time after pausing? The People's Bank of China will likely keep the interest rate unchanged at 3.00% at this meeting, although other decisions are also possible.
Should the People's Bank of China make statements that deviate from expectations, volatility may increase across the entire financial market, particularly in the Asian market. Investors will closely watch the bank's assessment of the Chinese economy's prospects and its policy stance in the short term.
06:00 – GBP: UK Consumer Price Index. Core Consumer Price Index
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the retail prices of a group of goods and services comprising the UK consumer basket. The CPI is a key indicator of inflation. The British pound's movement on the currency market and the London Stock Exchange FTSE 100 index performance depend on the release of the CPI data.
In March, the UK consumer inflation posted +0.7% (+3.3% YoY), after +0.4% (+3.0% YoY) in February, -0.5% (+3.0% YoY) in January 2026, +0.4% (+3.4% YoY) in December 2025, -0.2% (+3.2% YoY) in November, +0.4% (3.6% YoY) in October, 0% (+3.8% YoY) in September, +0.3% (+3.8% YoY) in August, +0.1% (+3.8% YoY) in July, +0.3% (+3.6% YoY) in June, +0.2% (+3.4% YoY) in May, +0.3% (+2.6% YoY) in March, +0.4% (+2.8% YoY) in February, +3.0% YoY in January 2025, +0.3% (+2.5% YoY) in December 2024.
The data suggests persistent inflationary pressures in the UK, which are expected to bolster the British pound, particularly if the actual data surpasses the forecasted values.
An indicator reading below the forecast/previous value may cause the weakening of the British pound since low inflation will force the Bank of England to stick to the loose monetary policy course.
The Core CPI, published by the Office for National Statistics, measures the price change in a selected basket of goods and services (excluding food and energy) over a given period. It is a key indicator for assessing inflation and changes in consumer preferences. A positive result strengthens the British pound, while a negative outcome weakens it.
In March 2026, the core CPI posted 3.1% YoY after +3.2%, +3.1% in January 2026, +3.2% in December and November, +3.4% YoY in October 3.5% in September, 3.6% in August, 3.8% in July, +3.7% in June, +3.5% in May, +3.8% in April, +3.4% in March, +3.5% in February, +3.7% in January 2025, +3.2% in December 2024, +2.6% in November, +3.3% in October, +1.7% in September, +3.6% in August, +3.3% in July, +3.5% in June and May, +3.9%, +4.2%, +4.5%, +5.1% in January 2024, December and November, after rising +5.7% +6.1%, +6.2% three months earlier. The publication will likely positively impact the British pound in the short term if it exceeds the forecasted and previous values. A reading below the forecast and/or previous values may weaken the pound.
18:00 – USD: Federal Open Market Committee Meeting Minutes
The FOMC minutes release is extremely important for determining the course of the Fed's current policy and the prospects for US interest rate hikes. Volatility in financial markets usually increases during the minutes' publication, as they often reveal changes or provide clarifications from the latest FOMC meeting.
Following the meetings in the first half of 2025, the Fed's interest rate remained at 4.50%. In September, it was reduced by 0.25% for the first time in 2025. In October, the Fed lowered its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 3.50%–3.75%.
At its first meeting of 2026, the US Fed decided to keep interest rates unchanged. At the press conference following the April meeting, the rate was once again held steady.
The biggest surprise was the split within the Federal Open Market Committee, which voted 8–4, with three members opposing the inclusion of a dovish tone in the statement. This marked the first time since October 1992 that four officials dissented.
Such strong internal opposition was driven by rapidly accelerating inflation. In its statement, the Fed explicitly noted that inflation remains elevated, partly due to the recent rise in global energy prices.
Investors are now pricing in roughly a 20% chance of one more rate hike before the end of the year.
Market participants expect the published minutes to provide some clarity on this issue.
The dovish tone of the minutes will positively impact stock indices and negatively affect the US dollar. The hawkish Fed's rhetoric on monetary policy may boost the greenback.
Thursday, May 21
01:30 – AUD: Employment Change. Unemployment Rate
The employment rate reflects the monthly change in the number of employed Australian citizens. The increase in the indicator value positively impacts consumer spending, stimulating economic growth. A high reading is positive for the Australian dollar, while a low reading is negative. Previous indicator values: +17,900 in March, +48,900 in February, +26,100 in January 2026, +68,500 in December, -28,700 in November, +41,100 in October, +12,800 in September, -11,800 in August, +26,500 in July, +1,000 in June, -1,100 in May, +87,600 in April, +25,500 in March, -54,200 in February, +34,900 in January 2025, +60,000 in December 2024.
Besides, the Australian Bureau of Statistics will publish a report on the unemployment rate. It is an indicator that estimates the ratio of the share of the unemployed population to the total number of working-age citizens. The rise in the indicator readings demonstrates the weakening of the labor market, negatively impacting the national economy. A decrease in the indicator is positive for the Australian dollar.
Forecast: Australian unemployment remained at its lowest levels and stood at 4.3% in April 2026 (against 4.3% in March and February, 4.1% in January 2026 and December 2025, 4.3% in November and October, 4.5% in September, 4.3% in August, 4.2% in July, 4.3% in June, 4.1% in May, April, March, February, and January 2025, 4.0% in December 2024, 3.9% in November, 4.1% in October, September, and August, 4.2% in July, 4.1% in June, 4.0% in May, 3.8% in April, 3.7% in March and February, 4.1% in January, 3.9% in December and November, 3.8% in October, 3.6% in September, 3.7% in August and July, 3.5% in June, 3.6% in May, 3.7% in April, 3.5% in March and February, 3.7% in January, 3.5% in December, 3.4% in November and October, 3.5% in September and August, 3.4% in July, 3.5% in June, 3.9% in May and April, 4.0% in March and February, 4.2% in January), while the employment rate has increased.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has repeatedly stated that the Australian economy and the central bank's plans are influenced by key indicators like the level of household debt and spending, wage growth, and the state of the labor market, in addition to the international trade situation. If the indicator readings are lower than expected, the Australian dollar may decline significantly in the short term, while higher data will strengthen the currency.
07:30 – EUR: Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers' Indexes of the German Economy by S&P Global. Composite Purchasing Managers' Index of the German Economy by S&P Global (Preliminary Release)
The manufacturing and services PMIs are important indicators of the business environment and the health of the German economy. These sectors play a significant role in Germany's GDP. A reading above 50 indicates a positive outlook and bolsters the euro, while a reading below 50 is negative for the euro. Conversely, data worse than the forecasted and/or the previous value will prove to be negative for the euro.
Previous values:
- Manufacturing PMI: 51.4, 52.2, 50.9, 49.1, 47.0, 48.2, 49.6, 49.5, 49.8, 49.1, 49.0, 48.3, 48.4, 48.3, 46.5, 45.0, 42.5 in December 2024, 43.0, 43.0, 40.6, 42.4, 43.2, 43.5, 45.4, 42.5, 41.9, 42.5, 45.5, 43.3, 40.8, 39.6, 38.8, 40.6, 43.2, 44.5, 44.7, 46.3, 47.3, 47.1, 46.2, 45.1, 47.8, 49.1, 49.3, 52.0, 54.8, 54.6;
- Services PMI: 46.9, 50.9, 53.5, 52.4, 52.7, 53.1, 54.6, 51.5, 49.3, 50.6, 49.7, 47.1, 49.0, 50.9, 51.1, 52.5, 51.2 in December 2024, 49.3, 51.6, 50.6, 51.2, 52.5, 53.1, 54.2, 53.2, 50.1, 48.3, 47.7, 45.7, 48.2, 50.3, 52.3, 54.1, 57.2, 56.0, 53.7, 50.9, 50.7, 49.2, 46.1, 46.5, 45.0, 47.7, 49.7, 52.4, 55.0, 57.6, 56.1, 55.8;
- Composite PMI: 48.4, 51.9, 53.2, 52.1, 51.3, 52.4, 53.9, 52.0, 50.5, 50.6, 50.4, 48.5, 50.1, 51.3, 50.4, 50.5, 48.0 in December 2024, 47.2, 48.6, 47.5, 48.4, 49.1, 50.4, 52.4, 50.6, 47.7, 46.3, 47.0, 47.4, 45.9, 46.4, 48.5, 50.6, 53.9, 54.2, 52.6, 50.7, 49.9, 49.0, 46.3, 45.1, 45.7, 46.9, 48.1, 51.3, 53.7, 54.3, 55.1, 55.6.
08:00 – EUR: Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers' Indexes. Composite Purchasing Managers' Index of Eurozone Manufacturing Activity by S&P Global (Preliminary Release)
The Eurozone manufacturing and services PMIs are significant indicators of the European economy. Readings above 50 are positive and strengthen the euro, while readings below 50 are negative for the currency. If the figures are worse than the forecasted and/or the previous value, the euro will be affected negatively.
Previous values:
- Manufacturing PMI: 52.2, 51.6, 50.8, 49.5, 48.8, 49.6, 50.0, 49.8, 50.7, 49.8, 49.5, 49.4, 49.0, 48.6, 47.6, 46.6, 49.6 in December 2024, 45.2, 46.0, 45.0, 45.8, 45.8, 45.8, 47.3, 45.7, 46.1, 46.5, 46.6, 44.4, 43.1, 47.2, 42.7, 43.4, 44.8, 45.8, 47.3, 48.5, 48.8 in January 2023;
- Services PMI: 47.6, 50.2, 51.9, 51.6, 53.6, 52.4, 53.0, 51.3, 50.5, 51.0, 50.5, 49.7, 50.1, 51.0, 50.6, 51.3, 51.2 in December 2024, 49.5, 51.6, 51.4, 52.9, 51.9, 52.8, 53.2, 53.3, 51.5, 50.2, 48.4, 48.8, 47.8, 48.7, 50.9, 52.0, 55.1, 56.2, 55.0, 52.7, 50.8 in January 2023;
- Composite PMI: 48.8, 50.7, 51.9, 51.3, 51.5, 52.8, 52.5, 51.2, 51.0, 50.9, 50.6, 50.2, 50.1, 50.9, 50.2, 50.2, 48.0 in December 2024, 48.3, 50.0, 49.6, 51.0, 50.2, 50.9, 52.2, 51.7, 50.3, 49.2, 47.9, 47.6, 46.5, 47.2, 48.6, 52.8, 54.1, 53.7, 52.0, 50.3, 49.3 in January 2023.
08:30 – GBP: Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers' Index. Composite Purchasing Managers' Index of the UK Manufacturing Sector by S&P Global (Preliminary Release)
The manufacturing and services PMIs serve as a vital indicator of the UK economy's health. The services sector employs the majority of the UK's working-age population and contributes approximately 75% of GDP. Financial services continue to be the most important part of the services sector. If the data is worse than the forecast and the previous value, the British pound will likely experience a short-term but sharp decline. If the data exceeds the forecast and the previous value, it will have a positive impact on the currency. At the same time, a PMI reading above 50 is favorable and strengthens the British pound, while a reading below 50 is negative for the currency.
Previous values:
- Manufacturing PMI: 53.7, 51.0, 51.7, 51.8, 50.6, 50.2, 49.7, 46.2, 47.0, 48.0, 47.7, 46.4, 45.4, 44.9, 46.9, 48.3, 48.0, 49.9, 51.5, 52.5, 52.1, 50.9, 51.2, 49.1, 50.3, 47.5, 47.0, 46.2, 44.8, 44.3, 45.3, 46.5, 47.1, 47.8, 47.9, 49.3, 47.0, 45.3, 46.5, 46.2, 48.4;
- Services PMI: 52.7, 50.5, 53.9, 54.0, 51.4, 51.3, 52.3, 50.8, 54.2, 51.8, 52.8, 50.9, 49.0, 52.5, 51.0, 50.9, 51.1 in December 2024, 50.8, 52.0, 51.4, 53.7, 52.5, 52.1, 52.9, 55.0, 53.1, 53.8, 54.3, 53.4, 49.5, 49.3, 51.5, 53.7, 55.2, 55.9, 52.9, 53.5, 48.7, 49.9, 48.8, 48.8, 50.0, 50.9, 52.6;
- Composite PMI: 52.6, 50.3, 53.7, 53.7, 51.4, 51.2, 52.2, 50.1, 53.5, 51.5, 52.0, 50.3, 48.5, 51.5, 50.5, 50.6, 50.4 in December 2024, 50.5, 51.8, 49.6, 53.8, 52.8, 52.3, 53.0, 54.1, 52.8, 53.0, 52.9, 52.1, 48.7, 48.5, 50.8, 52.8, 54.0, 54.9, 52.2, 53.1, 48.5 in January 2023.
13:45 – USD: Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers' Index of the US Economy by S&P Global. Composite Purchasing Managers' Index (Preliminary Release)
The PMIs of the most important US economic sectors, released by S&P Global, are an important gauge of the US economic conditions. A PMI reading above 50 signals growth in business activity, bolstering the US dollar, whereas a reading below 50 bodes negatively for the greenback.
Previous values:
- Manufacturing PMI: 54.5, 52.3, 51.6, 52.4, 51.8, 52.2, 52.5, 52.0, 53.0, 49.8, 52.0, 52.0, 50.2, 50.2, 52.7, 51.2, 49.4 in December 2024, 49.7, 48.5, 47.6, 47.9, 49.6, 51.6, 51.3, 50.0, 51.9, 52.2, 50.7, 47.9, 50.0, 49.8, 49.0, 46.3, 48.4, 50.2, 47.3, 46.9, 46.2, 47.7, 50.4, 52.0, 51.5;
- Services PMI: 51.0, 49.8, 51.7, 52.7, 52.5, 54.1, 54.8, 54.2, 54.5, 55.7, 52.9, 53.7, 50.8, 54.4, 51.0, 52.9, 56.8 in December 2024, 56.1, 55.0, 55.2, 55.7, 55.0, 55.3, 54.8, 51.3, 51.7, 52.3, 52.5, 51.4, 50.6, 50.1, 52.3, 54.4, 54.9, 53.6, 50.6, 46.8, 44.7, 46.2, 47.8, 49.3, 43.7, 47.3, 52.7, 53.4, 55.6;
- Composite PMI: 51.7, 50.3, 51.9, 53.0, 52.7, 54.2, 54.6, 53.9, 54.6, 55.1, 52.9, 50.3, 50.6, 53.5, 51.6, 52.7, 55.4 in December 2024, 54.9, 54.1, 54.0, 54.6, 54.3, 54.8, 54.5, 51.3, 52.1, 52.5, 52.0, 50.9, 50.7, 50.2, 52.0, 53.2, 54.3, 53.4, 52.3, 50.1, 46.8 in January 2023.
22:45 – NZD: New Zealand's Retail Sales in Q1
The retail sales data is published by Statistics New Zealand. Change in retail sales volume is usually considered an indicator of consumer spending. Strong retail sales are generally positive for the New Zealand dollar, while weak figures weigh on the currency. In Q4 2025, the retail sales volume indicator showed a gain of +0.9% after +1.9% in Q3, +0.5% in Q2, +0.8% in Q1 2025, +1.0% in Q4 2024, 0% in Q3, a decline of -1.2% in Q2 2024, an increase of +0.4% in Q1, a decline of -1.8% in Q4 2023, -0.8% in Q3, and -1.0% in Q1 2023. The decline in retail sales is bearish for the New Zealand dollar.
The New Zealand dollar may strengthen if data exceeds the forecast or previous values, while a weak report will adversely affect the currency.
Friday, May 22
06:00 – GBP: UK Retail Sales
The retail sales economic indicator is a key metric that tracks the level of consumer demand and significantly impacts market performance and the national currency. Additionally, it serves as an indirect indicator of inflation, making it a key concern for a country's central bank and market participants.
The retail sales report is released by the UK Office for National Statistics. The Retail Sales change is considered to indicate the consumer spending level. High indicator values are positive for the British pound, while low readings are negative.
Previous values YoY: +1.7%, +1.8%, +4.8%, +1.9% in January 2026, +1.4% in December 2025, +1.9%, +2.1%, +0.9%, +2.0%, +1.1%, -0.9%, +3.3%, +2.0%, +0.6%, -1.3%, +2.8% in January 2025.
Price chart of USDX in real time mode
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