What’s Ahead: Weekly Macroeconomic Calendar for May 26–May 30, 2025

This week will be busy and packed with key economic data releases and central bank commentaries that could significantly shift market sentiment. Traders should keep a close eye on inflation figures, consumer confidence, and potential signals from central bankers:

Tuesday, May 27

Japan:
● The Governor of the Bank of Japan, Kazuo Ueda, is scheduled to speak. Any commentary on monetary policy may trigger high volatility in the Japanese yen (JPY).

Unites States:
● Consumer Confidence Index (time TBD). This Conference Board index is a major gauge of US consumer sentiment and spending. Higher readings support the US dollar (USD), while weaker results can drag it down.

Wednesday, May 28

New Zeland:
● RBNZ Interest Rate Decision (time TBD). Markets expect a rate cut from 3.50% to 3.25%. A dovish move could weigh on the New Zealand dollar (NZD).

United Kingdom:
● A member of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee at the Bank of England, Dr. Huw Pill, is scheduled to speak. Comments on inflation or monetary policy outlook could influence the direction of the pound (GBP).

United States:
● FOMC Minutes (time TBD). This document outlines the Fed’s internal discussions and tone on interest rate policy. A hawkish or dovish shift could affect USD and risk assets.

Thursday, May 29

United States:
● GDP Q1 Revised (time TBD). Though the initial figure is already out, a large revision could spark movement in USD.

Japan:
● Unemployment Rate (time TBD). Not a major market mover, but it still provides insights into the Japanese labor market and economy.

Friday, May 30

United States:
● Personal Income & Spending and the PCE Price Index (April) The PCE is the Fed’s preferred measure of inflation, making this one of the most impactful releases of the week. A higher-than-expected PCE could reinforce rate hike expectations, supporting the USD and weighing on equities.

Canada:
● Q1 GDP. A key figure for the Canadian economy. A surprise to the upside or downside can have a notable impact on the Canadian dollar (CAD).

Tips for Traders:

● Be vigilant during central bank speeches: Comments from central bankers can hint at future rate decisions or policy direction. Use your economic calendar to stay informed and be ready for heightened volatility in relevant currencies.
● Focus on inflation: Particularly the PCE data in the United States. Higher inflation supports tightening, boosting the currency. Lower figures could signal dovish shifts and rate cut discussions.
● Watch out for deviations from forecasts: Markets react more to how actual data deviates from forecasts than to the number itself. Bigger deviations mean stronger market reactions.
● Manage your risk: During major news releases, volatility can spike sharply. Make sure your stop losses are set and your position size aligns with your risk management strategy. Avoid opening oversized positions ahead of key events unless you have a clear trading plan in place.
● Use pending orders: In certain situations, experienced traders may choose to place pending orders (Buy Stop/Sell Stop) above or below key levels to catch a strong directional move after a news release. Keep in mind, though, this strategy carries a higher risk of slippage.