This week, investors will be watching closely for fresh reads on household spending, inflation and housing — with multiple central bank officials scheduled to speak. The RBA remains in focus as Governor Michele Bullock testifies before the Senate on Thursday, while the US and China both release CPI figures on Friday.

Monday February 9

Monthly Household Spending Indicator (December)
Spending is tipped to fall 0.3% — a sign of caution among Aussie consumers.

Tuesday February 10

CBA Wage and Labour Insights (January)
A key proxy for wage inflation and jobs momentum.

Monthly Consumer Confidence Index (February)
From Westpac and Melbourne Institute — key sentiment barometer.

NAB Business Survey (January)
Business conditions and confidence both picked up in January.

US NFIB Small Business Optimism Index (January)
Expected to lift slightly to 99.8 from 99.5.

US Import & Export Price Indexes (December)
Import prices edged up 0.1% in November.

US Retail Sales (December)
Retail spending expected to rise 0.4%.

Wednesday February 11

RBA Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser speaks
Remarks at the ACCI Business Leaders’ Lunch in Sydney — may offer insight on RBA outlook.

Lending Indicators (December Quarter)
Home loans could jump 6.0% — a big month for housing finance.

US Employment Cost Index (ECI, December Quarter)
Wage growth tipped to slow to 0.8%.

China Consumer and Producer Prices (January)
Core CPI expected to fall to 0.3% from 0.8%.

US Nonfarm Payrolls (January)
Around 50,000 jobs may have been created.

Thursday February 12

RBA Governor Michele Bullock Testimony
Speaking before the Senate Economics Legislation Committee — likely to be market-moving.

US Existing Home Sales (January)
Sales could fall 3.2% to 4.21 million.

Friday February 13

RBA Assistant Governor (Economic) Sarah Hunter speaks
Remarks at the CEDA event in Perth — final RBA voice for the week.

CBA Household Spending Insights (January)
A high-frequency measure of real-time spending.

US Consumer Price Index (CPI, January)
Annual core CPI tipped to rise 2.5% from 2.6%.

China New Home Prices (January)
Home prices have now fallen every month since May 2023.

Key themes to watch

• Consumer pulse: Three spending indicators this week will offer clues about the health of the Aussie consumer.
• RBA tone: Governor Bullock’s testimony and commentary from Hauser and Hunter may shape rate expectations.
• Inflation watch: CPI data from both the US and China could influence global rate expectations and market sentiment.
• Housing watch: Lending data and Chinese home prices will provide important context for property-exposed sectors.

Check back next week for the latest investor calendar — only on Switzer.