5 Key Market Events This Week: Focus on Powell, Trump-Zelenskyy, and Global Data
Global markets will enter a crucial week with several major events that could significantly move asset prices. The main focus will be on Fed Chairman Jerome Powell's speech at the Jackson Hole Symposium, which is expected to signal the future direction of US interest rates. At the same time, investors are also awaiting the high-stakes meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington, as well as the release of economic data from the United States and the Eurozone.
Powell's speech on Friday is of particular interest because it comes amid mixed US economic data. While retail sales rose sharply, employment data showed significant weakness. The minutes of the Fed's July meeting will also be released on Wednesday, with particular attention being paid to two dissenting votes from Fed officials who supported a rate cut. The market currently prices an 82.6% chance of a cut in September.
Meanwhile, financial reports from major retailers such as Home Depot, Walmart, Target, and Lowe's will also be important indicators for assessing the strength of the US consumer. Despite concerns that US tariffs could depress purchasing power, July retail sales remained resilient. However, rising consumer inflation expectations are a key factor for investors.
Meanwhile, attention is also focused on Palo Alto Networks' financial report, which will be its first since its $25 billion acquisition of Israeli-based CyberArk. Investors will be watching to see whether the company can effectively absorb this major acquisition, given that it has acquired seven companies in the past two years. The company's performance could be an indicator of cybersecurity trends, which are increasingly important in the digital age.
The Trump-Zelenskyy meeting on Monday is a sensitive diplomatic moment. Trump is expected to push for a peace deal that benefits Russia, while Zelenskyy remains adamant about relinquishing the Donetsk region. These tensions are being closely watched by markets, as a potential ceasefire could impact safe-haven assets and energy. Several European leaders will accompany Zelenskyy, demonstrating that a peace deal cannot be unilaterally reached.
Finally, in Europe, investors will be closely watching the release of preliminary PMI data from the Eurozone. This data will provide an early indication of the impact of US trade policy on the European economy. Although the second quarter showed economic resilience, analysts warn that many companies may have simply accelerated orders before tariffs took effect. If industrial momentum continues to weaken, fears of a local recession could resurface in the market.
Key Points:
Powell to deliver a key speech at Jackson Hole on Friday
Fed minutes and employment data key to interest rate direction
Trump-Zelenskyy meet to discuss Ukraine peace
Financial releases from Walmart, Target, and Home Depot signal US consumer health
Palo Alto Networks announces financial results after its largest acquisition
European PMI data provides an early glimpse into the impact of the US-EU trade war. (ayu)
Source: Newsmaker.id
