The outcome of the Fed’s July meeting, Chair Warsh’s cautious remarks at the press conference, and the mixed July US labor market report have left investors searching for fresh signals. Market participants are awaiting new macroeconomic data to better assess the outlook for the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy—and, consequently, the direction of the US dollar and major financial assets.
The key release this week will be the US consumer price index report on Wednesday, which could provide important clues about the future trajectory of interest rates.
Between August 10 and 16, investors will also focus on major economic data from Germany, the United States, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, the outcome of the RBA meeting, and developments in the Middle East conflict.
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: None scheduled.
- Tuesday: RBA Interest Rate Decision.
- Wednesday: German Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), US Consumer Price Index (CPI).
- Thursday: RBNZ Inflation Expectations, UK GDP, US Producer Price Index (PPI).
- Friday: US Retail Sales, UoM Consumer Sentiment Index.
- Key event: US Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Monday, August 10
There are no important macroeconomic statistics scheduled for release.
Tuesday, August 11
04:30 – AUD: Reserve Bank of Australia’s Interest Rate Decision. RBA Accompanying Statement
The Australian economy’s primary challenges include sluggish wage growth, a weak labor market, and a slowdown in growth rates.
At its February 2026 meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia raised interest rates by 0.25%, the first increase since December 2025. In May, the rate was raised again to 4.35%. The Australian dollar strengthened after these decisions, although the hikes were largely expected by the market. RBA Governor Michele Bullock said after the meeting that inflation remains too high and will take more time to return to target levels. She also stressed that future policy decisions will depend on incoming data. Overall, the risk of rates staying high or rising further remains, supporting the Australian dollar.
Prior to and after the decision, RBA officials did not rule out the possibility of further policy tightening if new signs of consumer inflation emerged.
The RBA may raise interest rates again at the upcoming meeting, given the sharp rise in energy prices, particularly oil, resulting from the military conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, causing inflation to accelerate.
In the accompanying statement, the RBA will explain the reasons for the rate decision. If the RBA signals the possibility of monetary easing in the near term, the risks of the Australian dollar depreciating will increase. Conversely, the hawkish rhetoric of the RBA’s accompanying statement may lead to a strengthening of the Australian dollar.
05:30 – AUD: RBA Press Conference
Michele Bullock will assess the current state of Australia’s economy and outline her department’s monetary policy plans. Market participants anticipate her insights on the central bank’s policies amid global recessionary trends and elevated inflation levels in Australia. Any signals regarding her plans to adjust the RBA’s monetary policy parameters will cause a volatility surge in the Australian currency and stock market.
Wednesday, August 12
06:00 – EUR: German Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (Final Estimate)
The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) is published by the European Statistics Office and is calculated using a methodology agreed upon by all EU countries. The HICP is an indicator for measuring inflation and is used by the European Central Bank to assess price stability. A positive index result strengthens the euro, while a negative one weakens it.
Previous values: +2.4%, +2.7%, +2.9%, +2.8%, +2.0%, +2.1% in January 2026, +2.0%, +2.6%, +2.3%, +2.4%, +2.1%, +1.8%, +2.0%, +2.1%, +2.2%, +2.3%, +2.6%, +2.8% in January 2025.
The data indicate that inflation remains high and even accelerates periodically, which, in turn, is forcing the ECB to tighten its monetary policy, especially given the risks of recession in the Eurozone.
If the index value turns out to be lower than the previous one, the euro may weaken. Conversely, if inflation resumes rising, the euro may strengthen. An increase in the index is a positive factor for the euro.
If the July reading proves higher than the previous one, the euro may appreciate in the short term.
The preliminary estimate stood at +2.8%.
12:30 – USD: US Consumer Price Index
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the change in prices of a selected basket of goods and services over a given period. It is a key indicator for assessing inflation trends and changes in consumer preferences. Food and energy are excluded from the Core CPI to provide a more accurate assessment.
A high index reading typically strengthens the US dollar by signaling an increased likelihood of the Fed interest rate hike, while a low reading generally weakens the currency.
Previous values YoY:
- CPI: +3.5%, +4.2%, +3.8%, +3.3%, +2.4% in February and January 2026, +2.7% in December 2025, +2.7%, +3.0%, +2.9%, +2.7%, +2.7%, +2.4%, +2.3%, +2.4%, +2.8%, +3.0% in January 2025, +2.9%, +2.7%, +2.6%, +2.4%, +2.5%, +2.9%, +3.0%, +3.3%, +3.4%, +3.5%, +3.2%, +3.1%, +3.4%, +3.1%, +3.2%, +3.7%, +3.7%, +3.2%, +3.0%, +4.0%, +4.9%, +5.0%, +6.0%, +6.4% in January 2023;
- Core CPI: +2.6%, +2.9%, +2.8%, +2.6%, +2.5% in February and January 2026, +2.6% in December 2025, +2.6%, +3.0%, +3.1%, +3.1%, +2.9%, +2.8%, +2.8%, +2.8%, +3.1%, +3.3% in January 2025, +3.2%, +3.3%, +3.3%, +3.3%, +3.2%, +3.2%, +3.3%, +3.4%, +3.6%, +3.8%, +3.8%, +3.9%, +3.9%, +4.0%, +4.0%, +4.1%, +4.3%, +4.7%, +4.8%, +5.3%, +5.5%, +5.6%, +5.5%, +5.6% in January 2023.
The figures indicate renewed inflationary pressure, which economists attribute primarily to rising energy prices amid the unrest in the Middle East and around the Strait of Hormuz. Although this is significantly lower than the levels seen in 2022—when US annual inflation reached a 40-year peak of 9.1% in June—the Fed continues to prioritize bringing inflation sustainably back to its 2.0% target while supporting economic growth and maintaining labor market stability.
US inflation remains well above the Fed’s 2% target, forcing the central bank to keep interest rates high or take a pause to assess the economic and labor market situation if the reduction occurs.
If the data points to a decline in inflation or comes in weaker than expected, the dollar will most likely decline temporarily. If the numbers surpass expectations and previous readings, the greenback will strengthen, as this scenario would heighten the chances that the Fed will keep interest rates elevated for longer or resume its cycle of monetary policy tightening.
Thursday, August 13
03:00 – NZD: Inflation Expectations of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand for Q3
The indicator measures consumers’ expectations regarding annual inflation over the next 24 months. An increase in these expectations can significantly influence the likelihood of an interest rate hike. A high indicator value is a positive factor for the New Zealand dollar.
Previous values QoQ: +2.53 in Q2, +2.37% in Q1 2026, +2.28% in Q4 2025, +2.28% in Q3 2025, +2.29% in Q2 2025, +2.06% in Q1 2025, +2.12% in Q4 2024, +2.03%, +2.33%, +2.50% in Q1 2024, +2.76%, +2.83%, +2.79%, +3.3%, +3.62% in Q4 2022.
06:00 – GBP: UK GDP for Q2 2026 (Preliminary Estimate)
GDP is viewed as an indicator of the UK economy’s condition. The growing GDP indicator is considered positive for the British pound. The UK GDP rate was one of the highest in the world until 2016, when the Brexit referendum occurred. Subsequently, its growth decelerated, and with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK GDP rate dropped.
The preliminary estimate for Q2 implies that UK GDP has risen again. Overall, this is a positive factor for the British pound.
Previous GDP figures: +0.6% in Q1 2026, +0.1% in Q4 2025, +0.1% in Q3, +0.2% in Q2, +0.7% in Q1 2025, +0.3% in Q4 2024, +0.2% in Q3, +0.6% in Q2, +0.8% in Q1 of 2024.
The key factors that may force the Bank of England to keep the rate low include weak GDP, slow labor market growth, and low consumer spending. Should the GDP data fall significantly below previous values, the pound will face downward pressure. Conversely, high GDP readings will bolster the currency.
12:30 – USD: Producer Price Index (PPI)
The Producer Price Index (PPI) measures the average change in wholesale prices determined by manufacturers at all stages of production. The index is one of the leading inflation indicators in the United States, estimating the average change in wholesale producer prices.
Rising production costs increase wholesale selling prices, which ultimately boosts inflation. In normal economic conditions, growing inflation usually puts upward pressure on the national currency, implying a tighter central bank monetary policy.
Previous figures: -0.3% (+5.5% YoY), +0.6% (+6.0% YoY), +1.1% (+5.7% YoY), +0.7% (+4.3%), +0.5% (+3.4% YoY), +0.6% (+3.1% YoY) in January 2026, +0.4% (+3.2% YoY) in December 2025, +0.4% (+3.1% YoY), +0.1% (+2.8% YoY), +0.6% (+3.0% YoY), -0.2% (+2.7% YoY), +0.8% (+3.2% YoY), +0.1% (+2.4% YoY), +0.4% (+2.7% YoY), -0.3% (+2.4% YoY), -0.2% (+3.2% YoY), +0.1% (+3.4% YoY), +0.7% (+3.8% YoY) in January 2025.
If the data exceeds the forecasted value, the US dollar will likely strengthen. Conversely, if the data falls below forecasted and previous values, this will exert pressure on the Fed. This could lead to the Fed’s monetary policy easing, which will negatively impact the US dollar.
Friday, August 14
12:30 – USD: US Retail Sales. Retail Sales Control Group
This Census Bureau report on retail sales reflects the total sales of US retailers of all sizes and types. The change in retail sales is a key indicator of consumer spending. The report is a leading indicator, and the data may be subject to significant revisions in the future. High indicator readings strengthen the US dollar, while low readings weaken it. A relative decline in the indicator may have a short-term negative impact on the US dollar, while a rise in the indicator will positively impact the currency.
In June 2026, the value stood at +0.2% after +1.0%, +0.4%, +1.6%, +0.7%, -0.1%, 0% in December 2025, +0.5% in November, -0.2% in October, +0.1% in September, +0.5% in August, +0.6% in July, +1.0%, -0.8%, -0.2%, +1.7%, 0%, -0.8% in January 2025.
Retail sales are the main indicator of consumer spending in the United States, showing the change in the retail industry.
Retail sales serve as an indicator of domestic consumption, contributing the most to the US GDP and being one of the main factors influencing inflation. Deterioration of the indicator values is a negative factor for the US dollar. Inflation deceleration may prompt the Fed to begin the process of monetary policy easing.
The Retail Control Group indicator gauges volume in the retail industry and is used to calculate price indexes for most goods. High readings strengthen the US dollar, while low readings weaken the currency. A slight increase in the figures is unlikely to boost the dollar. If the data is lower than the previous readings, the dollar may be negatively impacted in the short term. Previous values: +0.5%, +0.8%, +0.5%, +0.8%, +0.6%, +0.5%, 0%, +0.2%, +0.5%, -0.2%, +0.7%, +0.5%, +0.9%, +0.3%, 0%, +0.2%, +1.3%, -0.9% in January 2025.
14:00 – USD: University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index (Preliminary Release)
This indicator reflects American consumers’ confidence in the country’s economic development. A high reading indicates economic growth, while a low one points to stagnation. Previous indicator values: 55.2, 49.5, 44.8, 49.8, 53.3, 56.6, 56.4 in January 2026, 52.9 in December 2025, 51.0 in November, 53.6 in October, 55.1 in September, 58.2 in August, 61.7 in July, 60.7 in June, 52.2 in May and April, 57.0 in March, 64.7 in February, 71.1 in January 2025. An increase in the indicator will strengthen the US dollar, while a decrease will weaken the currency. The data shows that the recovery of this indicator is uneven, which is unfavorable for the greenback. A decline below previous values will likely negatively impact the US dollar in the near term.
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