This week, markets will be driven by a mix of geopolitics, inflation and a heavyweight run of US corporate earnings.
As usual, this information comes to us from the experts at CommSec.
Tuesday April 28
Bank of Japan interest rate decision
The Bank of Japan is expected to keep rates unchanged at 0.75%.
US Conference Board Consumer Confidence (April)
Confidence is forecast to lift to 89.8, offering a read on household sentiment.
US earnings highlights
Major companies reporting include Visa, Coca-Cola, S&P Global, UPS, Hilton, General Motors, Spotify, Starbucks and Robinhood.
Wednesday April 29
Consumer Price Index (March)
CBA forecasts annual inflation to rise to 4.6%, with a strong monthly increase expected.
Consumer Price Index (March quarter)
Trimmed mean inflation is tipped to reach 3.5% year-on-year — a key input for RBA policy decisions.
US Federal Reserve interest rate decision
The Fed is expected to leave rates unchanged at 3.5–3.75%.
US Housing Starts (March)
Construction activity is tipped around 1.4 million annualised units.
US earnings highlights
Alphabet, Amazon, Meta and Microsoft headline a major day of Big Tech results.
Thursday April 30
Private Sector Credit (March)
Credit growth was running at 7.8% year-on-year in February, reflecting steady borrowing trends.
US GDP (Q1 2026 – Advance)
Economic growth is expected at 1.2% quarter-on-quarter.
US Core PCE Price Index (March)
The Fed’s preferred inflation measure is forecast to run at 3.5% year-on-year.
US Initial Jobless Claims
Claims were 207,000 in the prior week, providing a real-time labour market snapshot.
European Central Bank interest rate decision
The ECB is tipped to keep its key rate unchanged at 2.15%.
US earnings highlights
Apple, Eli Lilly, Mastercard, Caterpillar, Merck and Amgen are among key reporters.
Friday May 1
Producer Price Index (March quarter)
Producer prices rose 3.5% in the prior quarter, offering insight into upstream inflation pressures.
US ISM Manufacturing PMI (April)
Manufacturing activity is forecast at 52.2, indicating modest expansion.
US earnings highlights
Exxon Mobil, Chevron, Moderna and Estée Lauder headline the final day of major releases.
Key themes to watch
- Inflation pressure: Australia’s CPI will be critical ahead of the RBA’s May rate decision, with markets pricing a solid chance of a hike.
- Big Tech test: Results from the “Magnificent Seven” will shape global equity sentiment.
- Ceasefire effect: Markets have rallied on expectations the Iran conflict will have limited economic damage — data and earnings will now test that assumption.
- Central bank pause: Both the Fed and ECB are expected to hold rates steady, reinforcing a wait-and-see approach.
Check back next week for the latest investor calendar, only on Switzer.
