NewsMacroEuropean Markets Face Packed Data Calendar as ECB Outlook Stays in Focus

European Markets Face Packed Data Calendar as ECB Outlook Stays in Focus

Author: ForexLive·

Key Takeaways

  • The eurozone is set to release preliminary Q2 GDP and July CPI data, which will offer a comprehensive snapshot of the region's economic trajectory.
  • Traders are currently pricing in a 64% probability that the European Central Bank will raise interest rates in September.
  • National economic data from France, Germany, Spain, and Italy will be released ahead of the aggregate eurozone figures at 0900 GMT.
  • The Bank of England is scheduled to announce its July monetary policy decision concurrently with the eurozone data releases.
European Markets Face Packed Data Calendar as ECB Outlook Stays in Focus

European morning trade is set for a busy session today, with a mix of economic growth and inflation data due across the region. Inflation readings will remain the more important releases to watch, although the European Central Bank has already paused this month, so the immediate market impact should be limited unless the numbers deliver a clear surprise.

The eurozone has been navigating a delicate growth-inflation tradeoff, with preliminary Q2 GDP and July CPI figures offering the most comprehensive snapshot of the bloc's economic trajectory since the ECB's tightening cycle began. Synchronized releases from France, Germany, Spain, and Italy — the eurozone's four largest economies — will feed directly into the aggregate eurozone figures, making the early-morning national data a leading indicator for the 0900 GMT release.

At present, traders are pricing in about a 64% probability that the ECB will act next in September, with roughly 38 basis points of rate hikes priced in by year-end. That leaves the direction of market expectations vulnerable to the data released later today. A meaningful upside surprise in inflation, or a downside miss in growth, would complicate the ECB's communication challenge of signaling its next move without committing prematurely.

Here is the schedule for the session ahead:

0530 GMT: France Q2 preliminary GDP data

0700 GMT: Spain Q2 preliminary GDP data

0700 GMT: Spain July preliminary CPI figures

0800 GMT: Germany Q2 preliminary GDP data

0800 GMT: German states July CPI figures

0800 GMT: Italy Q2 preliminary GDP data

0900 GMT: Eurozone Q2 preliminary GDP data

0900 GMT: Eurozone July final consumer confidence, economic confidence

1100 GMT: BOE July monetary policy decision

1130 GMT: BOE Governor Bailey press conference

1200 GMT: Germany July preliminary CPI figures

The Bank of England decision runs concurrently with the eurozone data deluge, meaning sterling and euro crosses could see elevated volatility in the late European morning. The lineup should keep markets active, with attention still on the post-Fed reaction, the tech selloff, and developments involving the US and Iran. Month-end trading flows are also likely to remain part of the backdrop.