This week brings a wave of inflation and growth data across Australia, the US, Europe and China. Investors will also be watching several major central bank decisions, including the Fed, ECB and BoJ, along with high-impact macro readings from both sides of the Pacific.

As always, this info comes from the experts at CommSec.

Monday 27 October

CommSec State of the States (October)
An economic report card across all eight states and territories—closely watched by policymakers and economists.

RBA Governor Michele Bullock speaks
Speaking at the ABE Annual Dinner in Sydney. Commentary will be monitored for clues on future monetary policy.

US durable goods orders (September)
Tipped to lift 0.3%. A key gauge of capital expenditure momentum in the US.

US Dallas Fed manufacturing index (October)
Index expected to recover slightly from –8.7 to –2, indicating less contraction in factory activity.

Tuesday 28 October

US home prices (August)
From FHFA and S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller. Used to track wealth effects and housing market momentum.

US Richmond Fed manufacturing index (October)
Index tipped to firm from –17 to –4, a sign that regional conditions may be stabilising.

US Conference Board consumer confidence index (October)
Confidence expected to dip from 94.2 to 93.8, reflecting consumer caution amid high rates.

Wednesday 29 October

Australia: Consumer price index (CPI, September quarter)
Core or trimmed mean CPI could lift 0.8%, a key signal for future RBA moves.

US pending home sales (September)
The sharpest increase in five months is tipped. A positive surprise could support sentiment.

Bank of Canada (BOC) interest rate decision
Markets expect a 25bp rate cut as the BoC navigates softening domestic conditions.

US Federal Reserve (FOMC) interest rate decision
A 25bp cut is expected, bringing the Fed Funds rate to 3.75–4.00%. Markets will watch the press conference closely.

US advance goods trade balance (September)
A deficit of around US$90 billion is expected—important for GDP tracking.

Thursday 30 October

Australia: International trade price indexes (September quarter)
Flat import prices are expected. Terms of trade impacts will be closely assessed.

Bank of Japan (BoJ) interest rate decision
No change expected in the BoJ’s key policy rate, but investors will watch the inflation outlook.

European Central Bank (ECB) interest rate decision
No change in the deposit rate is expected. Guidance could shift depending on energy cost pressures.

US economic growth (September quarter)
The annualised GDP growth rate could ease to 3.0% from 3.8%. A key read on whether the soft landing is intact.

Friday 31 October

Australia: Private sector credit (September)
Credit growth of 0.6% is expected. Important for assessing financial conditions.

Australia: Producer price index (PPI, September quarter)
PPI could lift 0.7%, adding to inflationary pressures through supply chains.

China purchasing managers’ indexes (PMIs, October)
The factory PMI could rise to 50.2 from 49.8, signalling modest expansion.

US personal income & spending (September)
Spending and income could both rise 0.4%, suggesting consumer strength remains.

US core PCE price index (September)
Tipped to increase 0.2%. This is the Fed’s preferred inflation measure and carries market-moving potential.

Key themes to watch

• Inflation data: CPI in Australia, PPI and core PCE in the US, and PMI inflation signals from China will dominate macro headlines.
• Central banks: The Fed, ECB, BoJ and BoC all hold key meetings. Market sensitivity will be high to any shifts in tone.
• Growth figures: US GDP (Thursday) and Chinese PMIs (Friday) offer a timely pulse check on global economic momentum.
• Housing: US home sales, pending sales and price indexes will inform the outlook for one of the most interest rate-sensitive sectors.

Check back next Monday for the latest investor calendar, only on Switzer.