The Week Ahead – Economic Data, COVID-19, and Capitol Hill in Focus

For the Dollar:

It’s a quieter week ahead on the economic data front.

In the 1^st half of the week, JOLTs job openings and inflation figures are due out.

The numbers are unlikely to have a material impact on the Dollar and market risk sentiment, however.

Expectations are for labor market conditions and consumption to improve as the U.S government administers vaccinations.

In the 2^nd half of the week, it gets a little busier.

The weekly jobless claims figures will draw attention on Thursday.

At the end of the week, consumer sentiment and industrial production will also provide direction.

On the monetary policy front, FED Chair Powell could move the dial on Thursday.

Away from the economic calendar, expect chatter from Capitol Hill and COVID-19 news to also influence.

The Dollar Spot Index ended the week up by 0.18% to 90.098.

For the EUR:

It’s a quiet week ahead on the economic data front.

Industrial production and trade data for the Eurozone are due out on Wednesday and Friday.

We would expect the industrial production figures to garner the greatest interest.

Finalized December inflation figures for Spain and France are also due out. These are likely to have a muted impact on the EUR, however.

On the monetary policy front ECB President Lagarde has 2 scheduled speeches in the 1^st half of the week. Expect any forward guidance to influence. On Thursday, the ECB’s monetary policy meeting minutes are also due out but should have a muted impact.

The EUR ended the week up by 0.02% to $1.2218.

For the Pound:

It’s a relatively busy week ahead on the economic calendar. Key stats include November industrial and manufacturing production, and GDP figures for November.

December retail sales and November trade figures are also due out but would likely have a muted impact on the Pound.

Away from the economic calendar, expect COVID-19 news to also influence. With the UK in lockdown, strong progress towards the vaccination of priority groups should ease pressure on the Pound.

The Pound ended the week down by 0.76% to $1.3568.

For the Loonie:

It’s a particularly quiet week ahead.

There are no material stats to provide direction in the week.

The lack of stats will leave the Loonie in the hands of crude oil inventory numbers and COVID-19 news updates.

OPEC’s monthly report will also provide direction.

The Loonie ended the week up by 0.20% to C$1.2702 against the U.S Dollar.