5 Things to Watch on the Economic Calendar

Following a busy week packed with central bank meetings and European elections, market players will focus on a handful of Federal Reserve speakers in the week ahead, including Chair Janet Yellen, as they look for more clues on the timing of the next U.S. rate hike.

Traders will also keep an eye out on U.S. housing data to gauge if a recent increase in consumer spending and inflation is translating into higher home prices and a pick-up in home sales.

Meanwhile, in the U.K., market participants will be looking ahead to reports on consumer prices and retail sales for further indications on the continued effect that the Brexit decision is having on the economy.

In the euro zone, investors will await flash survey data on euro zone business activity for fresh clues on the health of the region’s manufacturing and services sector.
Elsewhere, traders will be looking to retail sales and inflation data from Canada to gauge the health of the economy.

Ahead of the coming week, here is a list of the five biggest events on the economic calendar that are most likely to affect the markets.

U.K. CPI & Retail Sales for February - Tuesday, 10:30
The U.K. Office for National Statistics will release data on consumer price inflation for February on Tuesday. Analysts expect consumer prices to rise 2.1%, after increasing 1.8% a month earlier.
On Thursday, the ONS will produce a report on February retail sales,  with analysts expecting an increase of 0.4%, following a drop of 0.3% in the preceding month.

Canadian Retail Sales & Inflation Figures - Tuesday, 14:30
Canada is to release January retail sales figures on Tuesday, amid expectations for a gain of 1%, following a 0.5% decline in December. Core sales are forecast to climb 1.2%, after falling 0.3% a month earlier.

On Friday, Canada is to publish data on February consumer price inflation. The data is expected to show that inflation increased 0.2% last month, after rising 0.9% a month earlier. On a yearly base, CPI is projected to climb 2.1%.

U.S. Housing Data for February - Wednesday, 16:00
The National Association of Realtors is to release data on existing home sales for February on Wednesday, amid forecasts for a decline of 1.8% to 5.57 million, following a gain of 3.3% a month earlier.

On Thursday, the Commerce Department is to publish a report on new home sales for February. The data is expected to show an increase of 0.6% to 568,000, following a jump of 3.7% in January.
Besides the housing-related data, this week's rather light calendar also features reports on initial jobless claims and durable goods orders.

Headlines from Washington will also be in focus, as traders await further details on President Donald Trump's promises of tax reform and infrastructure spending.

Fed Chair Janet Yellen Speaks - Thursday, 14:45
A handful of Fed policymakers are due to make public appearances this week that may offer insight into the likelihood of higher interest rates in the months ahead.

Monday sees Chicago Fed President Charles Evans speak about current economic conditions and monetary policy at the National Association for Business Economics luncheon in New York.

On Tuesday, New York Fed President William Dudley, Kansas City Fed President Esther George and Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester make public appearances.

Thursday sees Fed Chair Janet Yellen deliver opening remarks at the Federal Reserve System Community Development Research Conference, in Washington DC.

March Flash Euro Zone PMIs - Friday, 10:30
The euro zone is to publish preliminary data on manufacturing and service sector activity for March on Friday, amid expectations for a modest decline. Ahead of the euro zone PMI's, France and Germany will release their own PMI reports.

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