18-May-2026 12:45

Global markets are heading into a busy week as investors track escalating and conciliatory rhetoric between the US and Iran, alongside major economic data releases and central bank signals across key economies. Market focus will remain on growth indicators, inflation trends, and business activity surveys, while corporate earnings and geopolitical risks continue to influence sentiment. US: In the US, the Federal Reserve's latest meeting minutes will be closely watched for signals on the future path of interest rates following stronger-than-expected inflation data. Investors will also focus on housing indicators, PMI surveys, regional Fed data, and consumer sentiment figures. Corporate earnings will remain a key driver, with Nvidia, Walmart, and Home Depot among the major companies reporting results. Europe: European markets will monitor Germany's GfK consumer confidence and Ifo business climate data, both expected to weaken further. In the UK, inflation, unemployment, and retail sales figures will be released amid rising political uncertainty. Flash PMI readings from the Eurozone, Germany, France, and the UK are also expected to provide fresh insight into regional economic conditions. Asia-Pacific: In Asia, investors will track China's industrial output, retail sales, unemployment, house prices, and fixed-asset investment data for signs of economic momentum. The People's Bank of China is widely expected to leave loan prime rates unchanged. In Japan, markets will focus on Q1 GDP growth, trade figures, inflation, and PMI readings, while India and Australia are also set to release flash business activity data.

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