What is next: US Retail Sales and BoC & ECB Rates

In the week ahead, trade tariffs are set to dominate global attention around the clock, though key scheduled events will still remain important.

On Wednesday, the US retail sales data is worth watching. The last three reports have come in significantly below expectations but talk of tariffs this time may encourage consumers to shop more aggressively. This is usually good news for the markets, but in the current situation, it is more of a reminder of the changes in the economy.

Also on Wednesday, the Bank of Canada will decide on its key rate. It has been falling for the last seven meetings, and the impact of the rates could lead to a continuation of this series of easing, softening the economic harm.

The ECB, which began making rate decisions last June, will present its decision on Thursday. Uncertainty remains high, but the likelihood of further rate cuts prevails. Inflationary trends now allow the central bank to ease the blow before the negative effects of tariffs strike.