This week on the investor calendar, markets will be focused on the Federal Budget, US inflation and developments surrounding Iran. Markets are also watching a major US-China summit in Beijing, while locally the spotlight falls on consumer confidence, wages and a fresh run of ASX earnings.
As usual, this information comes to us from the experts at CommSec.
Monday May 11
US Federal Reserve Chair nomination vote
The Senate is expected to vote on Kevin Warsh’s nomination to become the next Federal Reserve Chair.
US Existing Home Sales (April)
Sales are forecast around 4.05 million annualised, providing another read on the housing market.
ASX Earnings Highlights
Dyno Nobel reports results.
Tuesday May 12
Westpac Consumer Sentiment (May)
Consumer confidence fell sharply by 12.5% in April amid concerns around inflation and interest rates.
NAB Business Confidence (April)
Business confidence collapsed to -29 in March, highlighting deteriorating business conditions.
Federal Budget 2026–27
Treasurer Jim Chalmers delivers the Federal Budget at 7.30pm AEST, with cost-of-living relief and defence spending expected to dominate.
US Consumer Price Index (April)
Annual inflation is tipped at 3.8%, with markets watching closely for the impact of higher oil prices linked to the Iran conflict.
ASX Earnings Highlights
Coronado Global Resources, Life360, GQG Partners, NexGen Energy and Westgold Resources report.
US Earnings Highlights
JD.com reports quarterly earnings.
Wednesday May 13
Wage Price Index (March Quarter)
Annual wage growth was running at 3.4% in the December quarter, remaining a key inflation input for the RBA.
US Producer Price Index (April)
Producer prices are expected to rise 0.5% in the month.
ASX Earnings Highlights
Commonwealth Bank, Aristocrat Leisure and Accent Group headline a major day for local reporting season.
US Earnings Highlights
Cisco reports, alongside continuing US earnings season updates.
Thursday May 14
Melbourne Institute Inflation Expectations (May)
Inflation expectations lifted 5.9% in the prior month, highlighting ongoing concern about price pressures.
US Retail Sales (April)
Retail spending is expected to rise 0.4% month-on-month.
US Initial Jobless Claims
Claims were 189,000 in the previous week, reflecting still-tight labour market conditions.
US-China Summit (May 14–15)
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet in Beijing, with trade, technology restrictions and geopolitical tensions high on the agenda.
ASX Earnings Highlights
Xero and GrainCorp report results.
US Earnings Highlights
Applied Materials reports earnings.
Friday May 15
US Industrial Production (April)
Output is tipped to rise 0.2% month-on-month.
ASX Earnings Highlights
QBE and Auckland Airport close out the week’s reporting schedule.
Key themes to watch
- Federal Budget: Investors will be watching whether new spending measures add to inflation pressures.
- Iran conflict: Oil prices and inflation expectations remain highly sensitive to geopolitical developments.
- US inflation test: Tuesday’s CPI print could heavily influence expectations for the Federal Reserve.
- US-China relations: The Beijing summit may shape market sentiment around trade and technology.
Check back next week for the latest investor calendar, only on Switzer.
