Weekly Market Preview
Friday, 28th February 2025
Markets are closely watching a series of economic data releases and updates from major central banks, which are expected to influence price movements this week.
One of the key indicator’s investors are monitoring is European inflation data. Forecasts suggest that inflation in February would remain steady at 2.5%, with core inflation holding at 2.7%. This data is critical in shaping the European Central Bank’s (ECB) monetary policy, as the ECB is set to announce its interest rate decision this week. Expectations indicate a 25-basis-point rate cut, bringing rates down from 2.75% to 2.5%.
Investors will also closely follow the ECB’s press conference for insights into future policy direction. Some ECB sources suggest that the neutral interest rate may not remain at 2.5%, but rather fall within a 1.75% – 2.25% range, reflecting concerns over slowing European growth.
Later in the week, markets will turn their attention to the US labour market, with the release of the February Non-Farm Payrolls report. The US economy is expected to add 180,000 jobs, with unemployment declining to 4% from 4.1% in January. At its last meeting, the Federal Reserve signalled a cautious approach to rate cuts, emphasizing that it is in no rush to lower interest rates. Stronger-than-expected labour data could reinforce the Fed’s stance, delaying rate cuts further.
Monday, 3rd of March
Tuesday, 4th of March
Wednesday, 5th of March
Thursday, 6th of March
Friday, 7th of March