- Monday March 8th, 2010 – Sentix Investor Confidence (930 GMT)
The Sentix Investor Confidence release by the Sentix GmbH shows a study of investor confidence towards the Euro-zone economy. An increasing number of investments is seen as positive prospect of the Euro-Zone economy (or bullish sentiment for the EUR), while a decreasing number is seen as negative (or bearish). Last month’s confidence number was -8.8, and the market expects a slightly negative number again for March. With the Greek debt situation still on the minds of investors, a weaker than expected number will hurt the currency, as well as, the bond and equity markets.
- Tuesday March 9th, 2010 – National Australia Bank’s Business Conditions (0030 GMT)
The NAB´s Business Conditions released by the National Australia Bank looks at trading, profitability and employment conditions in Australia. It serves as an indicator of overall economic situation in the short term. Since the RBA raised interest rates, but put a dovish spin in their statement, a stronger than expected number would push the AUD/USD to levels close to recent highs near 94 cents.
- Wednesday March 10th, 2010 –Department of Energy Inventory Numbers (1530 GMT)
Recently the inventory number for Crude Oil and Gasoline have been builds to inventory and above expectations. Despite these numbers and the trajectory of the builds, the market has continued to hold steady close to $80 dollar level. Analyst expect another 1 million barrel build in crude oil and a smaller build in gasoline. A surprise draw in crude, along with any weakness in the dollar should help crude oil lift to the mid $80 per barrel level and eventually break out of its recent 6 month trading range.
- Wednesday March 10th, 2010 – Reserve Bank of New Zealand Interest Rate Decision (2000 GMT)
The economy in New Zealand has been robust, but not as strong as their neighbor Australia. The RBNZ has stated that they plan to raise rates toward the middle of the year, a surprise would definitely move the markets.
- Thursday March 11th, 2010 – Australian Employment Change (0030 GMT)
The Employment Change released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics is a measure of the change in the number of employed people in Australia. Generally speaking, a rise in this indicator has positive implications for consumer spending which stimulates economic growth. Last month’s 52k increase was a surprise to the markets and analysts expect another robust number near 30k. This number is closely watch by the RBA, and a stronger than expected number will mean that potentially labor costs pressure could create inflation. This number will move the markets.
- Friday March 12th, 2010 – Canadian Employment (1200 GMT)
The Unemployment Rate released by the Statistics Canada is the number of unemployed workers divided by the total civilian labor force. It is a leading indicator for the Canadian Economy. If the rate is up, it indicates a lack of expansion within the Canadian lobar market. As a result, a rise leads to weaken the Canadian economy. A decrease of the figure is seen as positive (or bullish) for the CAD, while an increase is seen as negative or bearish. The bank of Canada has definitely become more hawkish in its statements and the employment number has shown that the Canadian economy is robust. The employment rate was 8.3% last month and expectations are for a reduction in that rate. A number that backs up the strong pro tightening statements of the Bank of Canada will push the Canadian dollar closer to par against the US dollar. This number will be a market mover
- Friday March 12th, 2010 – US Retail Sales (1330 GMT)
The retail Sales released by the US Census Bureau measures the total receipts of retail stores. Monthly percent changes reflect the rate of changes of such sales. Changes in Retail Sales are widely followed as an indicator of consumer spending. With same store comp sales improving this week, the retail sales number could be a very solid surprise to the upside for the markets. The previous number was a .5% headline number which is the expectation for the current month. This could also be a solid market mover.
