Forex Economic Calendar Overview: Key Events for the Next Trading Week (05.05.2025–11.05.2025)
Heightened volatility continues to shake markets. The upcoming week of 05.05.2025–11.05.2025 is also expected to be extremely volatile due to US and UK central bank meetings. Besides, market participants will focus on key macroeconomic data releases from Switzerland, the US, China, New Zealand, the Eurozone, and Canada.
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: Swiss CPIs, US ISM services PMI.
- Tuesday: Caixin China services PMI, New Zealand employment.
- Wednesday: Eurozone retail sales, US Fed interest rate decision.
- Thursday: Bank of England interest rate decision.
- Friday: Canadian labor market data.
- Key event of the week: US Fed meeting.
Monday, May 5
There will be an Early May bank holiday in the UK. Therefore, British banks will be closed, and trading volumes are expected to be lower than usual during the European trading session.
06:30 – CHF: Consumer Price Index
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) reflects the retail price trends for a group of goods and services comprising the consumer basket. The CPI is a key gauge of inflation. Additionally, the index has a significant impact on the value of the Swiss franc.
In March 2025, consumer inflation showed zero growth but gained +0.3% YoY, after +0.6% (+0.3% YoY) in February, -0.1% (+0.4% YoY) in January 2025, -0.1% (+0.6% YoY) in December, -0.1% (+0.7% YoY) in November, -0.1% (+0.6% YoY) in October, -0.3% (+0.8% YoY) in September, 0% (+1.1% YoY) in August, -0.2% (+1.3% YoY) in July, 0% (+1.3% YoY) in June, +0.3% (+1.4% YoY) in May, +0.3% (+1.4% YoY) in April, 0% (+1.2% YoY) in February, +0.2% (+1.3% YoY) January 2024, +1.7% in December 2023, +1.4% in November, and +1.7% YoY in October.
An index reading below the forecasted or previous value may weaken the Swiss franc, as low inflation will force the Swiss Central Bank to ease its monetary policy. Conversely, a high reading would be positive for the Swiss franc.
14:00 – USD: US ISM Services Purchasing Managers’ Index
The PMI assesses the state of the US services sector, accounting for about 80% of US GDP. The share of final goods production is about 20% of GDP, including 1% for agriculture and 18% for industrial production. Therefore, the publication of the services sector data significantly impacts the US dollar. An indicator reading above 50 is positive for the currency.
Previous values: 50.8 in March, 53.5 in February, 52.8 in January 2025, 54.1 in December 2024, 52.1 in November, 56.0 in October, 54.9 in September, 51.5 in August, 51.4 in July, 48.8 in June, 53.8 in May, 49.4 in April, 51.4 in March, 52.6 in February, 53.4 in January 2024, 50.5 in December, 52.5 in November, 51.9 in October, 53.4 in September, 54.5 in August, 52.7 in July, 53.9 in June, 50.3 in May, 51, 9 in April, 51.2 in March, 55.1 in February, 55.2 in January 2023, 49.6 in December, 56.5 in November, 54.4 in October, 56.9 in August, 56.7 in July, 55.3 in June, 55.9 in May, 57.1 in April, 58.3 in March, 56.5 in February, 59.9 in January 2022.
The growth of index values will favorably affect the US dollar. However, a relative decline in the index values and readings below 50 may negatively affect the US dollar in the short term.
Tuesday, May 6
01:45 – CNY: Caixin China General Services PMI
The Caixin Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is a leading indicator of China’s services sector. Since China’s economy is the second largest in the world, the release of its significant macroeconomic indicators can profoundly influence the overall financial market.
Previous values: 51.9, 51.4, 51.0 in January 2024, 52.2 in December 2024, 51,5, 52.0, 50.3, 51.6, 52.1, 51.2, 54.0, 52.5, 52.7, 52.5, 52.7 in January 2024, 52.9, 51.5, 50.4, 50.2, 51.8, 54.1, 53.9, 57.1, 56.4, 57.8, 55.0, 52.9 in January 2023.
Although an index value above 50 indicates growth, a relative decline in the indicator may adversely affect the yuan. Since China is the most important trade and economic partner of Australia and New Zealand, a deterioration in Chinese macro data may negatively impact the Australian and New Zealand dollars. Conversely, an increase in Chinese macro figures is usually positive for these currencies.
22:45 – NZD: New Zealand Employment Change. Unemployment Rate for Q1
The employment rate reflects the quarterly change in the number of employed New Zealand citizens. An increase in an indicator value positively affects consumer spending, thereby stimulating economic growth. A high indicator reading is favorable for the New Zealand dollar, while a low reading is negative.
Previous values: -0.1% in Q4 2024, -0.5% in Q3, +0.4% in Q2, -0.2% in Q1 2024, +0.4% in Q4 2023, -0.2% in Q3, +1.0% in Q2, +0.8% in Q1 2023, +0.2% in Q4 2022, +1.3% in Q3, 0% in Q2 2022, +0.1% in Q1 and Q4, +2.0% in Q3, +1.0% in Q2, +0.6% in Q1 2021.
At the same time, Stats NZ publishes a report on the unemployment rate, an indicator that measures the proportion of unemployed individuals relative to the total number of working-age citizens. An increase in the indicator values signals a weakening labor market, leading to a slowdown in the national economy. Conversely, a decrease is viewed positively, often strengthening the value of the New Zealand dollar.
Previous values QoQ: 5.1% in Q4, 4.8% in Q3, 4.6% in Q2, 4.3% in Q1 2024, 4.0% in Q4 2023, 3.9% in Q3, 3.6% in Q2, 3.4% in Q1 and Q4, 3.3% in Q2 and Q3 2022, 3.2% in Q1 and Q4, 3.4% in Q3, 4.0% in Q2, 4.7% in Q1 2021.
If other indicators in the Stats NZ report show signs of decline, the New Zealand dollar will likely weaken. Worse-than-expected data could have an even more pronounced negative effect on the currency.
Wednesday, May 7
09:00 – EUR: Eurozone Retail Sales
Retail sales data is the main measure of consumer spending, indicating the change in sales volume. A high indicator result strengthens the euro, while a low one weakens it.
Previous values: -0.3% (+2.3 YoY), -0.3% (+1.5% YoY), -0.2% (+1.9% YoY) in January 2025, +0.1% (+1.2% YoY) in December 2024, -0.5% (+1.9% YoY), +0.5% (+2.9% YoY), +0.2% (+0.8% YoY), +0.1% (-0.1% YoY), -0.3% (-0.3% YoY), +0.1% (+0.3% YoY), -0.5% (0% YoY), +0.8% (+0.7% YoY), -0.5% (-0.7% YoY), +0.1% (-1.0% YoY) in January 2024, -1.1% (-0.8% YoY) in December, -0.3% (-1.1% YoY) in November, +0.1% (-1.2% YoY) in October, -0.3% (-2.9% YoY) in Sept, 1.2% (-2.1% YoY) in August, -0.2% (-1.0% YoY) in July, -0.3% (-1.4% YoY) in June, 0% (-2.4% YoY) in May, -1.2% (-2.9% YoY) in April, -0.8% (-3.3% YoY) in March, +0.3% (-2.4% YoY) in February, -2.7% (-1.8% YoY) in January, +0.8% (-2.8% YoY) in December 2022.
The data suggests that retail sales have not returned to pre-pandemic levels after a severe drop in March–April 2020, when Europe was under strict quarantine measures, and are periodically declining again. Nevertheless, values exceeding the forecast will strengthen the euro.
18:00 – USD: US Fed Interest Rate Decision. Fed Commentary on Monetary Policy
During the first half of 2024, the US Fed policymakers left monetary policy parameters unchanged at multiple meetings, maintaining the key interest rate at 5.50%. However, at the September, November, and December meetings, the US Fed’s leaders reduced the interest rate to the current 4.50% and did not rule out further reductions. Notably, a month before these decisions, US Fed Chairman Jerome Powell stated that the US central bank’s focus was shifting toward ensuring stability in the labor market. However, Powell emphasized that any decisions regarding interest rates would still hinge on the prevailing economic conditions.
Now, market participants expect the US central bank to continue its monetary easing cycle. Nevertheless, there is also a possibility of an interest rate hike if inflation starts to rise again, as Fed Chairman Jerome Powell repeatedly warned earlier.
It is widely anticipated that the rate will remain unchanged at 4.50% at the upcoming meeting.
Volatility can spike in the financial markets, particularly in the US stock market and the US dollar exchange rate, during the rate decision announcement. This is especially true if the decision differs from expectations or if the Fed makes unexpected statements.
Powell’s commentaries may affect short-term and long-term trading in the US dollar. The Fed’s more aggressive approach to monetary policy is a positive factor that would strengthen the US dollar, while a more cautious position is negative for the greenback. Investors are eagerly awaiting Powell’s remarks on the Fed’s upcoming plans.
18:30 – USD: US Federal Reserve Open Market Committee Press Conference
The US Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (FOMC) press conference lasts approximately one hour. The resolution is read in the first part of the meeting, followed by a Q&A session, which may increase market volatility. Any unexpected statements by Jerome Powell on the Fed’s monetary policy will cause a hike in volatility in the US dollar and the US stock market.
Thursday, May 8
May 8 is Victory in Europe Day, a public holiday in several European countries. Since European banks will be closed, trading volumes will be lower than usual during the European trading session.
03:00 – NZD: Inflation Expectations of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand for Q2
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: +2.06% 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.
11:00 – GBP: Bank of England Interest Rate Decision. Bank of England Meeting Minutes. Bank of England’s Asset Purchase Facility. Monetary Policy Report
As a result of the August 2023 meeting, the interest rate was increased to 5.25%. The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee has decided to raise borrowing costs amid a robust labor market to curb price growth. However, further tightening of monetary policy may be required to bring inflation to the 2.0% target.
Since the September 2023 meeting, the Bank of England has maintained a wait-and-see stance. Finally, on August 1, 2024, the Bank of England cut the interest rate by 0.25% to 5.00%, marking the first cut since August 2023. The rate currently stands at 4.50%.
At the upcoming meeting, the Bank of England may decide to cut interest rates again, given the declining inflation in the country, or take a pause, considering the positive macro data from the UK and the complex geopolitical situation in Europe, particularly in Ukraine.
Analysts believe that the Bank of England may reduce the interest rate. However, the market reaction may be unpredictable.
At the same time, the BoE will publish the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) minutes, including a breakdown of the votes for and against interest rate changes. The main UK risks after Brexit are related to expectations of a slowdown in the country’s economic growth, as well as a large deficit in the UK balance of payments account.
Uncertainty about the Bank of England’s next step persists. Meanwhile, the British Pound and FTSE100 futures offer a lot of trading opportunities during the publication of the Bank’s rate decision.
Besides, the Bank of England will release its monetary policy report, providing an assessment of the economic outlook and inflation. Volatility in the British pound may grow sharply during this period. Apart from GDP, the UK inflation rate is one of the primary indicators for the Bank of England’s monetary policy stance. A soft tone of the report will likely boost the British stock market but cause the British pound to weaken. Conversely, the report’s hawkish tone regarding inflation, implying an interest rate hike, will strengthen the pound.
11:30 – GBP: Bank of England Governor’s Speech
Andrew Bailey will comment on the Bank of England’s interest rate decision. Typically, during the speech of the Bank of England governor, the British pound and the FTSE index of the London Stock Exchange face a significant spike in volatility, especially if there are any indications regarding monetary policy tightening or easing. Besides, Andrew Bailey will likely discuss the UK economy’s health and prospects against the backdrop of high energy prices and inflation.
The British pound and the FTSE London Stock Exchange often show significant volatility during the Bank of England Governor’s speech, especially if he hints at changes in monetary policy.
Friday, May 9
08:40 – GBP: Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey’s Speech
Market participants are waiting for Andrew Bailey to clarify the future policy of the UK central bank. Typically, during the speech of the Bank of England governor, the British pound and the FTSE index of the London Stock Exchange face a significant spike in volatility, especially if there are any indications regarding monetary policy tightening or easing. Andrew Bailey will likely explain the Bank of England’s interest rate decision and discuss the UK economy’s health and prospects against the backdrop of high energy prices and inflation. If Bailey does not address monetary policy issues, the reaction to his speech will be subdued.
12:30 – CAD: Canada Unemployment Rate
Statistics Canada will release the country’s November labor market data. Massive business closures due to the coronavirus and layoffs have also contributed to the unemployment rate, increasing from the usual 5.6%–5.7% to 7.8% in March and 13.7% in May 2020.
In March 2025, unemployment stood at 6.7% against 6.6% in February and January 2025, 6.7% in December 2024, 6.8% in November, 6.5% in October and September, 6.6% in August, 6.4% in July and June, 6.2% in May, 6.1% in April and March, 5.8% in February, 5.7% in January 2024, 5.8% in December and November 2023, 5.7% in October, 5.5% in September, August, and July, 5.4% in June, 5.2% in May, 5.0% in April, March, February, January, December, 5.1% in November, 5.2% in October and September, 5.4% in August, 4.9% in July and June, 5.1% in May, 5.2% in April, 5.3% in March, 5.5% in February, 6.5% in January 2022.
If the unemployment rate continues to rise, the Canadian dollar will depreciate. If the data exceeds the previous value, the Canadian dollar will strengthen. A decrease in the unemployment rate is a positive factor for the Canadian dollar, while an increase is a negative factor.
Price chart of EURUSD in real time mode
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