Yahoo Finance Weekly Outlook: July 23 - July 27
Investing.com - This week, investors will have a chance to see how the U.S. economy performed in the second quarter. Friday’s GDP report is expected to show that the economy rebounded in the three months to June, boosted by an increase in consumer spending.
Markets will also get an update on the health of the housing market, with reports due out on existing and new home sales.
In Europe, monetary policy will be in focus, with the European Central Bank expected to leave rates on hold at its meeting on Thursday, following policy changes at its last meeting.
Investors will also be monitoring developments in the intensifying global trade conflict, which has roiled markets.
U.S. President Donald Trump indicated Friday that he is prepared to slap tariffs on all Chinese imports to the U.S., worth around $500 billion per year. Trump made the threat in a pre-recorded interview with CNBC that aired on Friday.
The comments came after Trump launched an attack on the Federal Reserve, claiming that their plans to raise U.S. interest rates risked undermining his efforts at strengthening the economy.
Trump ratcheted up his criticism of the Fed on Friday, taking to Twitter to claim that tighter monetary policy was penalizing the U.S. by contributing to a stronger dollar.
He also accused China and the European Union of currency and interest-rate manipulation that he claims has put the U.S. at a disadvantage.
The dollar fell against a basket of the other major currencies on Friday, snapping a rally that had seen it hit one-year highs in the previous session.
The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a basket of six major currencies, was down 0.77% at 94.25 in late trade, after hitting a high of 95.44 on Thursday, the most since mid-July 2017.
It was the largest one-day percentage decline in three weeks, and was enough to turn the dollar index lower for the week and for the month. For the week, the index was down 0.29% and it is down 0.11% for the month to date.
The drop in the dollar saw other major currencies regain ground, with EUR/USD climbing 0.67% to 1.1712 late Friday.
The dollar was sharply lower against the yen, with USD/JPY tumbling 0.88% to 111.46, retreating from Thursday’s six month peaks of 113.16.
The pound was also higher, with GBP/USD adding on 0.89% to trade at 1.3129.
Ahead of the coming week, Investing.com has compiled a list of significant events likely to affect the markets.
Monday, July 23
The U.S. is to release data on existing home sales.
Tuesday, July 24
The euro zone is to release data on manufacturing and service sector activity.
Wednesday, July 25
New Zealand is to release trade data.
Australia is to produce data on consumer price inflation.
The Ifo Institute is to report on German business climate.
The U.S. is to release data on new home sales.
Thursday, July 26
The ECB is to announce its latest monetary policy decision. The announcement is to be followed by a press conference with President Mario Draghi.
The U.S. is to release reports on durable goods orders and initial jobless claims.
Friday, July 27
The U.S. is to round up the week with preliminary data on second quarter growth and a revised look at consumer sentiment.
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