Financial markets are bracing for a week of high-stakes volatility, with the global economic calendar from August 18 to 22, 2025, poised for significant movement. All eyes are set to converge on the Federal Reserve’s annual Jackson Hole Symposium, where a highly anticipated speech from Chair Jerome Powell could dictate market sentiment for the coming quarter. This event, coupled with critical inflation data from major economies and pivotal central bank decisions, creates a perfect storm for traders and investors worldwide.

Key Central Bank Moves and Inflation Data to Watch

The week’s tempo is set by a series of fundamental releases that will test the resilience of the global economy. A primary focus will be the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s (RBNZ) Interest Rate Decision on Tuesday. Market consensus, as per the data, expects a potential cut to 3.00% from the previous 3.25%, a move that will be scrutinized for signals on global monetary policy trends. Concurrently, Canada is scheduled to release its latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, with the median CPI year-over-year forecast to hold steady at 3.1%. This figure is a critical gauge for the Bank of Canada’s ongoing battle against inflation. Mid-week, the United Kingdom’s CPI report for July will be released, with analysts forecasting a year-over-year reading of 3.7%, a key metric that will influence the Bank of England’s policy path.

Beyond these events, a flurry of Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data from the Eurozone, the UK, and the United States will provide a real-time snapshot of economic health in the manufacturing and services sectors. These forward-looking indicators are essential for assessing whether current economic softness is transient or a sign of a deeper slowdown. For commodity traders, the weekly U.S. Crude Oil Inventories report and the CFTC speculative net positions data on Friday will be crucial for gauging market sentiment and positioning in energy and currency markets.

The Grand Finale: Fed’s Powell at Jackson Hole

The undisputed highlight of the week, and likely the entire month, is the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium,
which begins on Wednesday and runs through Friday. This prestigious annual gathering of central bankers, finance ministers, and economists is renowned for setting the tone for global monetary policy. The climax will be a speech by U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Friday morning. Investors will dissect every word for clues on the Fed’s outlook for interest rates, inflation, and the overall economic trajectory. Historically, Powell’s remarks at this forum have triggered significant market volatility, and 2025 is expected to be no different. His commentary will provide critical context following the release of the latest FOMC Meeting Minutes on Wednesday and speeches from other Federal Reserve officials throughout the week.

The global economic landscape faces a critical stress test this week. From the RBNZ’s potential rate cut to boiling UK inflation data and the grand stage of Jackson Hole, every data point and utterance from a central banker will be magnified. For market participants, vigilance and agility are not just advised—they are essential. Stay informed by monitoring real-time updates from major financial news outlets and trusted economic data providers to navigate the anticipated turbulence.

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Must Know

What is the most important event on the economic calendar this week?
The most critical event is the speech by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium on Friday, August 22. His remarks are expected to provide crucial guidance on the future path of U.S. interest rates, which has massive implications for global markets.

What time is the RBNZ Interest Rate Decision?
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s interest rate decision and accompanying monetary policy statement are scheduled for 10:00 PM EST on Tuesday, August 19 (11:00 PM BRT). A press conference will follow at 11:00 PM EST.

Is UK inflation data expected to rise?
The consensus forecast for the UK’s CPI (YoY) for July is 3.7%, which would be a slight increase from the previous month’s reading of 3.6%. This data is released on Wednesday, August 20, at 02:00 AM EST.

What other Fed officials are speaking this week?
The calendar includes scheduled speeches from FOMC members Bowman and Bostic on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively. Their comments will be watched closely for additional insights into the Fed’s policy thinking ahead of Chair Powell’s major address.

When are the CFTC speculative net positions released?
The Commitments of Traders (COT) reports detailing speculative net positions for various currencies and commodities, including the Canadian Dollar (CAD), Mexican Peso (MXN), and Gold, are released every Friday at 3:30 PM EST.