Economic calendar

Economic calendar

Unemployment figures, company earnings reports and elections – keep track of key announcements and other events that could affect the markets. 

Monday 29 April to Sunday 5 May

FOMC policy decision

Wednesday, May 1

19:00 BST

Even before the hawkish repricing of US interest rates in the last few weeks, virtually no one was expecting a rate cut in May. So, the key focus in this meeting will be about how the Fed is assessing the direction of prices and employment. Previously Powell and co had dismissed the hotter inflation data in the first months of the year, but recently the rhetoric has changed, and we have seen a corresponding rally in US dollar. The market is now expecting a more hawkish-leaning FOMC meeting. But any inclination towards a rate cut before the end of the summer would now provide a dovish surprise.

What to watch: USD, US Tech 100

US non-farm payrolls report

Friday, May 3

13:30 BST

Recent robust growth data and persistently high inflation figures have tempered expectations of rate cuts in 2024. But while hard data has been strong, we have seen soft survey-based figures, pointing to weakness. It is also possible that the extent of hawkish repricing may already be priced in. Therefore, any signs of weakness in US employment or wages data could alleviate concerns about the Fed's capacity to lower rates, leading to a sell-off in the dollar and fresh rally in gold.

What to watch: USD, Gold

US ISM services PMI

Friday, May 3

13:30 BST

The S&P Global PMI data released last week showed US business activity increased at a sharply slower pace April amid signs of weaker demand. Its services PMI showed the weakest reading in 5 months as orders fell in both the manufacturing and services sectors and companies responded by scaling back employment. If this is anything to go by then the closely watched ISM survey could disappoint expectations and potentially lead to another dovish repricing of Fed interest rates.

What to watch: USD, US 30

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      Economic calendar FAQ

      Why should I use an economic calendar?

      An economic calendar enables you to plan your trading around key market-moving events. This is important for any trader, as economic releases can quickly change market conditions and may throw your existing strategy off course.

      Some traders steer of the markets entirely when economic data is due to be released; others see the heightened volatility as the best time to trade. Either way, knowing precisely when events are set to land is key to trading successfully.

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      What is an economic calendar?

      An economic calendar is a diary that lists the upcoming economic releases and events that are likely to move markets in the coming weeks and months. It’s an essential tool for traders, helping you plan your strategy around when your chosen markets might be highly volatile.

      Learn more about fundamental analysis in the City Index Academy.

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      How do I use an economic calendar?

      By default, the City Index calendar will show you all the potential market-moving events in the coming days – including how important each event is, plus its previous and consensus figure.

      By tapping ‘SHOW FILTERS’, you can tailor the calendar to your specific strategy. For example, you can choose to only see events from certain countries or categories. You can even choose to only see events that are expected to deliver high volatility.

      Tap on any event for more information.

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