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Finance Footnotes is a quick guide of news and events to watch out for in the world of finance this week.
If you have investments or real estate, or if you trade stocks or currencies, these are some events and items to keep an eye on that could affect your money.
Here is the top finance news and events for the week of April 15 – 19, 2024.
The entire week
- A number of central bank chairpersons give speeches this week. Perhaps this will give insight into everyone’s question, when will interest rates be lowered?
- We will also continue to see how the escalated situation in the Israel-Gaza war progresses this week. Now that Iran has become involved, the U.S. and allies will undoubtedly be drawn into a greater role. This unrest and any major action will affect markets and specifically global relations and trade.
Monday, April 15
- U.S. Retail Sales – 8:30 a.m.: The percentage change in the value of retail goods sold, month over month. An important piece of data as world markets keep a close eye on inflation.
Tuesday, April 16
- UK Claimant Count – 2 a.m.: The monthly change in the number of individuals claiming unemployment.
- Canadian Consumer Price Index – 8:30 a.m.: Three sets of inflationary data are released showing the percentage change in consumer goods. Once again, a leading indicator into inflationary trends.
- Bank of England Governor Speech – 1 p.m.: Governor Andrew Bailey is speaking at the IMF’s spring meetings in Washington, DC. Anytime a central bank official speaks it can lend insight into current and future policy decisions.
- Bank of Canada Governor & U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Speak – 1:15 p.m.: Both the Canadian & U.S. central bank heads are set to participate in a discussion about economic trends in North America. Obviously their discussion is important not only for insight into their own economies, but also how they approach the shared economic state of North America.
Wednesday, April 17
- UK Consumer Price Index – 2 a.m.: Similar to the Canadian data released the day prior, this report shows the annual change in products purchased by consumers; a good window into British inflationary trends.
- Bank of England Governor Speech – 12 p.m.: Governor Andrew Bailey is speaking at another event in Washington DC.
Thursday, April 18
- U.S. Unemployment Claims – 8:30 a.m.: This is the weekly number of people who filed for unemployment benefits for the first time.
Friday, April 19
- UK Retail Sales – 8:30 a.m.: The percentage change in the value of inflation-adjusted retail sales, month over month.
This post is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. All times indicated are in Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Check out last week’s Finance Footnotes to see what you missed.
