The Business News Week Ahead

The week is sandwiched between key Chinese indicators: manufacturing PMIs on Saturday and Monday followed by merchandise trade on the following Saturday. The early effects from the coronavirus on the supply of Chinese goods are likely to be given some clarity. Reports from the US manufacturing sector have been mixed to positive with early virus effects not a major issue, at least so far; yet Monday will see the key ISM reading on February conditions along with the sample's related commentary. Central bank announcements will include the Reserve Bank of Australia on Tuesday followed on Wednesday by the Bank of Canada, and forecasters, despite global virus jitters, see neither bank cutting rates. Eurozone data will include the February HICP inflation flash on Tuesday followed by January retail sales on Wednesday with German manufacturing orders for January to be closely watched on Friday. From Japan, Friday will see household spending which has yet to recover from an October tax hike. February employment reports from both Canada and the US will also be posted Friday and moderate results are the expectations.