Political tensions over Ukraine and anxiety about the Chinese economy remain the two dominant concerns as the week starts. But there’s plenty to watch for from the US economy over the next five days, and here’s a roundup. Homebuilder sentiment It’s not the weightiest data of the week, but Monday’s index of homebuilder sentiment will be closely watched. The survey was the hardest hit by the cold US winter, recording the biggest drop in its history in February. The index is expected to edge higher to 52 this month, and economists at Deutsche Bank argue: “if March activity is going to show a noticeable rebound, this is one place where we should see it.” Inflation Tuesday’s release of consumer prices for February is expected to underline why inflation – or at least the threat of higher prices – is not posing a headache for officials at the Federal Reserve. Prices are forecast to have risen just 0.1 per cent last month, as low petrol prices pushed the measure down. Fed’s March meeting On Wednesday the Fed’s Open Market Committee (FOMC) is expected to lop another $10bn from its bond-buying programme. Of much greater interest will be the statement the FOMC releases alongside its decision and Janet Yellen’s first press conference since taking over as chairwoman. Phillly Fed Survey March’s manufacturing survey from the Fed’s Philadelphia branch should offer further clues as to whether surveys are beginning to shake off the effects of the winter. The index, which fell to – 6.3 in February, is expected to be flat in March as the snowstorms recede. Should the forecast prove accurate – or turn out better – it will raise hopes of better growth to come.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 13:40:31 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015