Markets enter a crucial week as the Federal Reserve takes center stage. The FOMC minutes will shed light on last meeting’s dissenting voices, followed by Chair Powell’s Jackson Hole address, which could reset expectations on rate cuts amid mixed US economic signals. Housing data, from NAHB sentiment to building starts and existing home sales, will give fresh clues on the property market. Flash PMIs across major economies, along with retail earnings from Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, and Home Depot, will further test consumer resilience and investor sentiment.

Europe braces for inflation pressure and PMI signals In the Eurozone, services growth is likely to cool while manufacturing weakness deepens, with consumer confidence expected to slip. The UK will be in focus with inflation, retail sales, consumer confidence, and industrial trends orders shaping sentiment. Germany’s producer prices and France’s manufacturing climate will add to the regional mix, while Sweden’s Riksbank rate decision will be closely tracked after its earlier cut.

Asia-Pacific balances policy and growth data The People’s Bank of China is set to hold its loan prime rates steady, even as Beijing subsidizes consumer lending. Japan’s CPI and trade data will highlight inflation trends and tariff effects, alongside machinery orders and PMI releases. India will publish PMI and unemployment data, while Australia focuses on consumer sentiment and inflation expectations. Elsewhere, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand is expected to ease policy, while Indonesia is likely to hold steady. Regional trade and inflation reports will round out the picture.

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