Key macroeconomic data, including US producer price figures, will be released this week. Markets will also focus on the outcomes of meetings of eight of the world’s largest central banks. The main attention will be on the results of the two-day Federal Reserve meeting. Its outcome could determine the near-term direction of the US dollar and broader financial markets, including equities, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. The Fed is widely anticipated to keep its interest rate unchanged at 3.75%. However, any unexpected signals from policymakers could trigger increased market volatility.
Additionally, from March 16 to March 22, market participants will watch for key releases from China, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and the US. Moreover, markets will be watching the results of central bank meetings in Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Japan, the UK, the Eurozone, and China.
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: China’s economic data and Canada’s CPI.
- Tuesday: The Reserve Bank of Australia’s interest rate decision, and US retail sales.
- Wednesday: US PPI, the Bank of Canada’s and the Fed’s interest rate decisions, and New Zealand’s GDP.
- Thursday: Australian labor market data, the Bank of Japan’s interest rate decision, UK labor market data, the Swiss National Bank’s, the Bank of England’s, and the European Central Bank’s interest rate decisions.
- Friday: The People’s Bank of China’s interest rate decision.
- Key event of the week: The Fed’s interest rate decision.
Monday, March 16
02:00 – CNY: Industrial Production. Retail Sales
The National Bureau of Statistics of China’s report on industrial production shows the output of Chinese industrial enterprises, such as factories and manufacturing facilities. The increase in industrial production is a positive factor for the yuan, indirectly signaling the possibility of accelerating inflation, which may force the People’s Bank of China to tighten monetary policy.
Conversely, the decline in the indicator value may negatively impact the yuan.
Previous YoY values: +6.5%, +5.2%, +5.7%, +6.8%, 5.8%, +6.1%, +7.7%, +5.9%, +6.2% in December 2024.
The retail sales level index, published monthly by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, gauges the change in the aggregate value of sales at the retail level across the country. The index is often viewed as an indicator of consumer confidence and economic prosperity and reflects the state of the retail sector in the near term. An increase in the index value is usually positive for the yuan, while a decrease in the index value will affect it negatively. Previous YoY values: +0.6%, +1.3%, +2.9%, +3.0%, +3.4%, +3.7%, +4.8%, +6.4%, +5.1%, +5.9%, +4.0%, +3.7% in December 2024.
The data indicate that this sector of the Chinese economy continues to recover after a strong decline in February and March 2020. If the data prove weaker than the forecasted or previous values, the yuan may experience a decline, potentially a sharp one.
China is a major buyer of commodities and a supplier of a wide range of finished goods to the global commodity market. 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.
Besides, China is the largest trading partner of Australia and New Zealand, purchasing a significant amount of commodities from these countries.
Therefore, positive macro statistics from China may also exert a positive influence on these commodity currencies. Conversely, if the anticipated data indicates a deceleration in one of the world’s largest economies, it would be a detrimental factor for global stock markets and commodity currencies.
12:30 – CAD: Canada’s Consumer Price Indexes
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) reflects the retail price trends of a selected basket of goods and services. Meanwhile, the Core CPI excludes fruits, vegetables, gasoline, fuel oil, natural gas, mortgage interest, intercity transportation, and tobacco products. The inflation target for the Bank of Canada ranges between 1% and 3%. A higher CPI reading is a sign of a rate hike and is positive for the Canadian dollar.
Previous values:
- CPI: 0% (+2.3% YoY) in January 2026, +0.1% (+2.2% YoY), +0.2% (+2.2% YoY), +0.1% (+2.4% YoY), -0.1% (+1.9% YoY), +0.3% (+1.7% YoY), +0.1% (+1.9% YoY), +0.6% (+1.7% YoY), -0.1% (+1.7% YoY) in April, +0.3% (+2.3% YoY) in March, +1.1% (+2.6% YoY) in February, +0.1% (+1.9% YoY) in January 2025, -0.4% (+1.8% YoY) in December 2024, 0% (+1.9% YoY), +0.4% (+2.0% YoY), -0.4% (+1.6% YoY),-0.2% (+2.0% YoY), +0.4% (+2.5% YoY), -0.1% (+2.7% YoY), +0.6% (+2.9% YoY), +0.5% (+2.7% YoY), +0.6% (+2.9% YoY), +0.6% (+2.9% YoY), +0.3% (+2.8% YoY), 0% (+2.9% YoY), -0.3% (+3.4% YoY), +0.1% (+3.1% YoY), +0.1% (+3.1% YoY), -0.1% (+3.8% YoY), +0.4% (+4.0% YoY), +0.6% (+3.3% YoY), +0.1% (+2.8% YoY);
- Core CPI released by the Bank of Canada: +0.2% (+2.6% YoY) in January 2026, +0.2% (+2.9% YoY), +0.6% (+2.9% YoY), +0.3% (+2.8% YoY), 0% (+2.6% YoY), +0.1% (+2.6% YoY), +0.1% (+2.7% YoY), +0.6% (+2.5% YoY), +0.5% (+2.5% YoY) in April, -0.2% (+2.2% YoY) in March, +0.7% (+2.7% YoY) in February, +0.4% (+2.1% YoY) in January 2025, +0.3% (+1.8% YoY) in December 2024, -0.1% (+1.6% YoY), +0.4% (+1.7% YoY), 0% (+1.6% YoY), -0.1% (+1.5% YoY), +0.3% (+1.7% YoY), -0.1% (+1.9% YoY), +0.6% (+1.8% YoY), +0.2% (+1.6% YoY), +0.5% (+2.0% YoY), +0.1% (+2.1% YoY), +0.1% (+2, 4% YoY), -0.5% (+2.6% YoY), +0.1% (+2.8% YoY), +0.3% (+2.7% YoY), -0.1% (+2.8% YoY), +0.1% (+3.3% YoY), +0.5% (+3.2% YoY), -0.1% (+3.2% YoY).
The data suggests that inflation continues to decelerate, which prompts the Canadian central bank to consider implementing a dovish monetary policy. If the expected data is worse than the previous values, it will negatively affect the Canadian dollar, but if the data exceeds expectations, it will bolster the currency.
Tuesday, March 17
03:30 – AUD: Reserve Bank of Australia’s Interest Rate Decision. RBA Accompanying Statement
The Australian economy’s primary challenges include sluggish wage growth, a weak labor market, and a slowdown in growth rates.
At its February 2026 meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia raised interest rates by 0.25%, the first hike since December 2025, leading to an appreciation of the Australian dollar. RBA Governor Michele Bullock said inflation remains too high and warned it will take longer to reach the target, which is no longer acceptable. She emphasized that future policy will depend on economic data. As a result, the risk of prolonged or higher rates persists, supporting the Australian dollar.
Before and after the decision, RBA officials left open the possibility of further tightening if consumer inflation showed signs of rising.
It is not yet clear what their decision will be this time. However, the Reserve Bank of Australia may opt to pause at this meeting, keeping the interest rate at 3.85%.
In the accompanying statement, the RBA will explain the reasons for the rate decision. If the RBA signals the possibility of monetary easing in the near term, the risks of the Australian dollar depreciating will increase. Conversely, the hawkish rhetoric of the RBA’s accompanying statement may lead to a strengthening of the Australian dollar.
04:30 – AUD: RBA Press Conference
Michele Bullock will assess the current state of Australia’s economy and outline her department’s monetary policy plans. Market participants anticipate her insights on the central bank’s policies amid global recessionary trends and elevated inflation levels in Australia. Any signals regarding her plans to adjust the RBA’s monetary policy parameters will cause a volatility surge in the Australian currency and stock market. If the Australian Central Bank Governor avoids discussing monetary policy, the market response will be muted.
12:30 – USD: US Retail Sales. Retail Sales Control Group
This Census Bureau report on retail sales reflects the total sales of US retailers of all sizes and types. The change in retail sales is a key indicator of consumer spending. The report is a leading indicator, and the data may be subject to significant revisions in the future. High indicator readings strengthen the US dollar, while low readings weaken it. A relative decline in the indicator may have a short-term negative impact on the US dollar, while a rise in the indicator will positively impact the currency.
In January 2026, the value stood at -0.2% after 0% in December 2025, +0.6% in November, -0.1% in October, +0.1% in September, +0.6% in August and July, +0.9%, -0.8%, -0.1%, +1.5%, 0%, -0.9% in January 2025.
Retail sales are the main indicator of consumer spending in the United States, showing the change in the retail industry.
Retail sales serve as an indicator of domestic consumption, contributing the most to the US GDP and being one of the main factors influencing inflation. Deterioration of the indicator values is a negative factor for the US dollar. Inflation deceleration may prompt the Fed to begin the process of monetary policy easing.
The Retail Control Group indicator gauges volume in the retail industry and is used to calculate price indexes for most goods. High readings strengthen the US dollar, while low readings weaken the currency. A slight increase in the figures is unlikely to boost the dollar. If the data is lower than the previous readings, the dollar may be negatively impacted in the short term. Previous values: +0.3% in January 2026, 0%, +0.2%, +0.6%, -0.2%, +0.7%, +0.5%, +0.9%, +0.3%, -0.2%, +0.5%, +0.8%, -0.5%, +1.0%, 0%, +0.2%, +1.1%, -0.1%, +0.3%, +1.2%, +0.6%, +0.1%, +0.8%, +0.2%, -0.6% in January 2024.
Wednesday, March 18
12:30 – USD: Producer Price Index (PPI)
The Producer Price Index (PPI) measures the average change in wholesale prices determined by manufacturers at all stages of production. The index is one of the leading inflation indicators in the United States, estimating the average change in wholesale producer prices.
Rising production costs increase wholesale selling prices, which ultimately boosts inflation. In normal economic conditions, growing inflation usually puts upward pressure on the national currency quotes, implying a tighter central bank monetary policy.
Previous values: +0.5% (+2.9% YoY) in January 2026, +0.4% (+3.0% YoY) in December 2025, +0.2% (+3.0% YoY), +0.3% (+2.7% YoY), -0.1% (+2.7% YoY), +0.7% (+3.1% YoY), 0% (+2.4% YoY), +0.4% (+2.7% YoY), -0.2% (+2.4% YoY), -0.2% (+3.2% YoY), 0.1% (+3.4% YoY), +0.7% (+3.8% YoY) in January 2025.
If the data exceeds the forecasted value, the US dollar will likely strengthen. Conversely, if the data falls below forecasted and previous values, this will exert pressure on the Fed. This could lead to the Fed’s monetary policy easing, which will negatively impact the US dollar.
13:45 – CAD: Bank of Canada Interest Rate Decision and Accompanying Statement
At the June 5, 2024, meeting, the Bank of Canada reduced the interest rate by 0.25% to 4.75%, making a total reduction of 1.75% (175 bp) in 2024. In October 2025, the rate was further slashed to the current 2.25%.
The central bank’s upcoming decision remains uncertain. The regulator may also take a pause at this meeting.
If the Bank of Canada’s accompanying statement regarding growing inflation and the prospects for further monetary policy signals further tightening, the Canadian dollar will strengthen. Conversely, if the regulator signals the need for a monetary policy easing, the Canadian currency will decline.
14:30 – CAD: Bank of Canada Press Conference
During the press conference, Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem will provide an overview of the bank’s position and assess the current economic situation in the country. If the tone of his speech is hawkish regarding the Bank of Canada’s monetary policy, the Canadian dollar will strengthen. If Tiff Macklem is in favor of maintaining a soft monetary policy, the Canadian currency will decline. Anyway, the Canadian dollar is expected to be highly volatile during his speech.
18:00 – USD: US Fed Interest Rate Decision. Fed Commentary on Monetary Policy. FOMC Economic Projections
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 4.50%.
On September 17, 2025, the Fed cut its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 4.00–4.25%, marking its first reduction since December 2024. 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.
Market participants now expect the US central bank to continue its cycle of monetary policy easing. However, a pause or even an interest rate hike remains possible if inflation starts to rise again, as Fed Chair Jerome Powell has repeatedly warned.
For now, it is widely anticipated that the interest rate will remain unchanged at 3.75% at the upcoming meeting.
The financial market may experience higher volatility when the rate decision is announced, particularly in the US stock market and the US dollar, especially if the rate decision does not match the forecast or 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.
The Fed’s forecasts for interest rates, inflation, and economic growth over the next 1–2 years and beyond will draw significant attention. Equally important will be the individual FOMC members’ views on interest rates.
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.
21:45 – NZD: New Zealand GDP for Q4
The data release will heighten volatility in the New Zealand dollar. Given the recent rise in commodity and agricultural prices, particularly for dairy products, New Zealand’s major export, and considering that the coronavirus pandemic has had the least impact on New Zealand compared to other large economies, the New Zealand Q4 2025 GDP report will likely be positive.
Previous YoY values: +1.3%, -1.1%, -0.6%, -1.3%, -1.6%, -0.5%, +1.3%, +1.0%, +0.7%, +2.7%, +3.0% in Q1 2023.
The data so far remains contradictory, indicating a halt in the New Zealand economic recovery at the end of 2023 after a downturn in the first half of 2020. If the data is worse than the previous values, it will negatively affect the New Zealand dollar.
Thursday, March 19
00:30 – AUD: Employment Rate. Unemployment Rate
The employment rate reflects the monthly change in the number of employed Australian citizens. The increase in the indicator value positively impacts consumer spending, stimulating economic growth. A high reading is positive for the Australian dollar, while a low reading is negative. Previous indicator values: +17.800 in January 2026, +68,500 in December, -28,700 in November, +41,100 in October, +12,800 in September, -11,800 in August, +26,500 in July, +1,000 in June, -1,100 in May, +87,600 in April, +25,500 in March, -54,200 in February, +34,900 in January 2025, +60,000 in December 2024.
Besides, the Australian Bureau of Statistics will publish a report on the unemployment rate. It is an indicator that estimates the ratio of the share of the unemployed population to the total number of working-age citizens. The rise in the indicator readings demonstrates the weakening of the labor market, negatively impacting the national economy. A decrease in the indicator is positive for the Australian dollar.
Forecast: Australian unemployment has remained at its lowest levels and stood at 4.1% in February 2026 (against 4.1% in January 2026 and December 2025, 4.3% in November and October, 4.5% in September, 4.3% in August, 4.2% in July, 4.3% in June, 4.1% in May, April, March, February, and January 2025, 4.0% in December 2024, 3.9% in November, 4.1% in October, September, and August, 4.2% in July, 4.1% in June, 4.0% in May, 3.8% in April, 3.7% in March and February, 4.1% in January, 3.9% in December and November, 3.8% in October, 3.6% in September, 3.7% in August and July, 3.5% in June, 3.6% in May, 3.7% in April, 3.5% in March and February, 3.7% in January, 3.5% in December, 3.4% in November and October, 3.5% in September and August, 3.4% in July, 3.5% in June, 3.9% in May and April, 4.0% in March and February, 4.2% in January), while the employment rate has increased.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has repeatedly stated that the Australian economy and the central bank’s plans are influenced by key indicators like the level of household debt and spending, wage growth, and the state of the labor market, in addition to the international trade situation. If the indicator readings are lower than expected, the Australian dollar may decline significantly in the short term, while higher data will strengthen the currency.
Expected After 03:00 (Exact Time Not Specified) – JPY: Bank of Japan Interest Rate Decision. Bank of Japan Press Conference and Commentary on Monetary Policy
The Bank of Japan will decide on the interest rate. Since February 2016, the Bank of Japan has kept the deposit rate at -0.1% and the 10-year bond yield target around 0%. However, at its March 19, 2024 meeting, the Bank of Japan’s board members decided to raise the interest rate by 10 basis points, from -0.1% to 0%, for the first time since 2007, ending the period of negative interest rates that began in 2016.
Currently, Japan’s benchmark interest rate stands at 0.75% and is expected to remain unchanged. If the rate is lowered, the yen may weaken, while the Japanese stock market could rise. In any case, heightened volatility in the yen and across Asian financial markets is anticipated during this period.
According to analysts, if the BoJ hints at further rate hikes, the yen will receive significant support.
During the press conference, BoJ governor Kazuo Ueda will comment on the monetary policy. Despite certain tightening measures, the BoJ continues to adhere to an extra-soft monetary policy. According to former Japanese central bank governor Haruhiko Kuroda, Japan should continue its current soft monetary policy. Markets usually respond prominently to speeches by the BoJ governor. The governor will likely mention the monetary policy again during his speech, leading to increased volatility not only in the yen but also in Asian and global financial markets.
06:30 – JPY: Bank of Japan Press Conference
During the press conference, Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda will comment on the bank’s monetary policy and interest rate decision. Markets usually react noticeably to speeches of the BoJ governor. If he touches on monetary policy during his speech, volatility will rise not only in the yen but also across Asian and global financial markets.
07:00 – GBP: Average Weekly Earnings Over the Last Three Months. Unemployment Rate
The UK Office for National Statistics publishes a report on average weekly earnings covering the period for the last three months, including and excluding bonuses.
This report is a key short-term indicator of employee average earnings changes in the UK. An increase in wages is positive for the British pound, whereas a low indicator value is unfavorable. Forecast: The March report suggests that average earnings, including bonuses, rose again over the last three months (November–January) after gaining +4.2%, +4.7%, +4.7%, +4.8%, +5.0%, +4.7%, +4.6%, +5.0%, +5.3%, +5.5%, +5.6%, +5.9%, +6.0%, +5.6%, +5.2%, +4.3%, +3.8%, +4.0%, +4.5%, +5.7%, +5.9%, +5.7%, +5.6%, +5.6%, +5.8%, +6.5%, +7.2%, +7.9%, +8.1%, +8.5%, +8.2%, +6.9%, +6.5%, +5.8%, +5.9%, +6.0%, +6.5%, +6.%, +6.1%, +5.5%, +5.2%, +6.4%, +6.8%, +7.0%, +5.6%, +5.7%, +4.8%, +4.3%, +4.2% in previous periods). Average earnings excluding bonuses likewise increased after gaining +4.5%,+4.6%, +4.6%, +4.7%, +4.8%, +5.0%, +5.0%, +5.2%, +5.6%, +5.9%, +5.8%, +5.9%, +5.6%, +5.2%, +4.8%, +4.9%, +5.1%, +5.4%, +6.0%, +6.0%, +6.0%, +6.1%, +6.2%, +6.6%, +7.3%, +7.7%, +7.8%, +7.8%, +7.8%, +7.3%, +7.2%, +6.7%, +6.6%, +6.6%, +6.7%, +6.5%, +6.1%, +5.8%, +5.5%, +5.2%, +4.7%, +4.4%, +4.2%, +4.2%, +4.1%, +3.8%, +3.7%, +3.8% in previous periods). These figures show continued growth in employee earnings levels, which is favorable for the pound. If the figures turn out to be better than the forecast and/or previous values, the currency will likely strengthen. If the data falls short of expectations, the pound will likely weaken.
The UK unemployment data will be released at the same time. Unemployment is expected to stand at 5.2% over the last three months (November–January), after posting 5.2%, 5.1%, 5.1%, 5.0%, 4.8%, 4.7%, 4.7%, 4.6%, 4.6%, 4.5%, 4.4%, 4.4%, 4.4%, 4.3%, 4.3%, 4.0%, 4.1%, 4.2%, 4.4%, 4.4%, 4.3%, 4.2%, 4.0%, 3.8%, 3.9%, 4.0%, 4.1%, 4.2%, 4.3%, 4.2%, 4.0%, 3.9% in previous periods).
Since 2012, the UK unemployment rate has fallen steadily from 8.0% in September 2012. The unemployment decline is a positive factor for the pound, while its growth negatively impacts the currency.
If the UK labor market data appears to be worse than the forecast and/or the previous value, the pound will be under pressure.
Regardless, when the UK labor market data is released, the pound and the London Stock Exchange are expected to experience increased volatility.
08:30 – CHF: Swiss National Bank’s Interest Rate Decision. SNB Monetary Policy Statement
Recently, the Swiss franc has once again gained popularity as a safe-haven asset. However, the possibility of intervention is currently preventing the currency from experiencing significant growth. SNB executives emphasize that intervening in the foreign exchange market is crucial for maintaining the low investment appeal of the franc and alleviating upward pressure on the currency.
The deposit rate is widely anticipated to remain at 0.0% at the December 2025 meeting, following a series of reductions at each of the last eight meetings since March 2024.
Besides, traders will scrutinize the SNB statement for signals regarding the further monetary policy plans. The hawkish tone of the statement will favor the Swiss franc. Conversely, the soft tone and inclination to resume the loose monetary policy will negatively affect the currency. If the SNB board makes unexpected statements, volatility in the currency market and the Swiss franc is expected to increase.
09:00 – CHF: Swiss National Bank Press Conference
The SNB press conference will commence after the release of the interest rate decision. During the press conference and the speech of SNB chairman Martin Schlegel, who succeeded Thomas Jordan at the end of September 2024, volatility in the Swiss franc will surge. Traders expect signals regarding further plans for the SNB’s monetary policy. The hawkish tone of Martin Schlegel’s speech will bolster the Swiss franc, while a softer tone and the SNB’s inclination towards a soft monetary policy will negatively affect the franc. Volatility in the currency market and in the value of the Swiss franc is expected to rise.
12:00 – GBP: Bank of England Interest Rate Decision. 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 central bank cut the interest rate by 0.25% to 5.00%, marking the first cut since August 2023. The current interest rate is 3.75%.
At its upcoming meeting, the Bank of England may cut interest rates again amid labor market weakness, or opt for a pause. A rate hike looks unlikely, given persistently high inflation and only moderately positive macroeconomic indicators.
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.
13:15 – EUR: European Central Bank’s Interest Rate Decision. ECB Monetary Policy Statement
The European Central Bank will publish its decision on the main refinancing operations and the deposit facility rates, which currently stand at 2.15% and 2.00%, respectively.
The ECB’s tight stance on inflation and the level of key interest rates favor the euro, while a softer stance and lower rates weaken it. Given the high inflation in the Eurozone, according to the ECB leadership, the risk balance for the eurozone’s economic outlook remains negative.
At the same time, the ECB made it clear that if deflation resumes, rates will be lowered again. The ECB believes that GDP growth could slow significantly or even turn negative, partly due to the energy crisis in the EU, a high degree of uncertainty, weaker global economic activity, tighter financing conditions, and the tariff dispute with the US.
Given the high risks of recession in the Eurozone, the ECB may lower its deposit rate below 2.0% and resume quantitative easing. However, a pause or even an increase cannot be ruled out if inflation starts to rise again.
A dovish tone in the statements will negatively impact the euro. Conversely, a hawkish tone regarding the central bank’s monetary policy will bolster the euro.
13:45 – EUR: ПEuropean Central Bank’s Press Conference
This press conference will draw significant attention from market participants. Volatility may increase not only in euro quotes but also across the entire financial market if the ECB leaders make unexpected statements. ECB executives will evaluate the current economic situation in the Eurozone and provide insights on the bank’s rate decision. Historically, after some ECB meetings and subsequent press conferences, the euro exchange rate experienced fluctuations of 3%–5% in a short time frame.
A dovish tone in the speech will negatively impact the euro. Conversely, a hawkish tone regarding the central bank’s monetary policy will bolster the euro.
Friday, March 20
01:15 – CNY: People’s Bank of China Interest Rate Decision
Since May 2012, the People’s Bank of China has been lowering its interest rate to support Chinese manufacturers. Last time, the bank reduced the rate in May 2025 after a long pause, bringing the rate down by 0.1% to its current level of 3.00%.
What will the Chinese central bank do this time after pausing? The People’s Bank of China will likely keep the interest rate unchanged at 3.00% at this meeting, although other decisions are also possible.
Should the People’s Bank of China make statements that deviate from expectations, volatility may increase across the entire financial market, particularly in the Asian one. Investors will closely watch the bank’s assessment of the Chinese economy’s prospects and its policy stance in the short term.
Price chart of USDX in real time mode
The content of this article reflects the author’s opinion and does not necessarily reflect the official position of LiteFinance broker. The material published on this page is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as the provision of investment advice for the purposes of Directive 2014/65/EU.
According to copyright law, this article is considered intellectual property, which includes a prohibition on copying and distributing it without consent.
