The week ahead will be mildly busy for financial markets with a Monday that still is Easter holiday in Germany and the UK.
Japanese domination on news
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) is holding its rate-setting meeting on Wednesday. The Japanese rates are not expected to change in line with BoJ’s long-held policy.
Governor Haruhiko Kuroda’s speech and the policy statement are to be watched after the meeting.
Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe is heading to Brussels the day later to meet with EU leaders for a summit on trade. The two sides, both having tariff issues with the US, already have a deal signed last year.
Abe will then fly to Washington to sit down with US President Donald Trump on Friday amidst talks between the two countries — which are expected to continue at mid-level diplomacy. The North Korean issue will also be on the table.
UK Parliament returns
The British House of Commons is returning from its Easter recess April 23, putting the highly contentious Brexit issue once again on the agenda as the ruling Conservatives and the opposition Labour resume talks to break an impasse for the way forward.
Bank of Canada rate
The Bank of Canada is meeting for its monetary policy. It is largely anticipated to keep its 1.75 percent interest rate on hold. Questions regarding the bank’s strategy in the face of slowing global growth are likely to remain.
Turkish Central Bank
Turkey’s Central Bank is also set to meet. The bank’s repo rate is most likely to be kept at 24 per cent. Similarly questions surrounding the bank’s independence amid the ongoing uncertainty in the aftermath of local elections, a swap rate crisis and soaring inflation will be begging answers.
US earnings
US earning season is in the focus with over 150 companies on the stocks are poised to release their profits. Amazon, Boeing that is still struggling with its ground 737 MAX aircrafts, Facebook, Lockheed Martin, Twitter, Chevron, Coca-Cola and eBay among others will report sales and earnings.
US first-quarter gross domestic product will give an idea on the effects of the last government shutdown. An annualized 2 percent quarter over quarter in the first three months of 2019 is expected.
On the European side, Germany’s Ifo business climate index is to be watched.
Monday
United Kingdom Germany, Easter Monday
US Existing Home Sales
Tuesday
US New Home Sales
Wednesday
EUR German Ifo Business Climate Index
US Crude Oil Inventories
Japan BoJ Monetary Policy Statement, BoJ Outlook Report
Thursday
BoJ Press Conference
US Core Durable Goods Orders
Friday
US GDP
