Weekly Market Preview
Friday, 1 August 2025
This week, traders will follow the release of the final ISM Services Purchasing Managers’ Index for the U.S. for July. The index is expected to remain in expansion territory, rising from 50.8 to 51. A better-than-expected reading would signal improved economic activity, supporting GDP growth. Given the services sector’s significant contribution to the U.S. economy, such an outcome would reflect rising demand and improved corporate performance.
Attention will shift to the European Retail Sales numbers, which track changes in consumer spending (a key driver of growth in domestic-oriented economies such as the European economy).
Markets expect the YoY retail sales growth to edge up from 1.8% to 1.9%. Any stronger-than-expected result would point to improved consumer confidence and higher spending, which would support corporate earnings and reinforce broader growth prospects.
Later this week, the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee will meet to announce its interest rate decision. Investors expect a third rate cut this year, with a 25-basis point reduction from 4.25% to 4.00%. Markets will pay close attention to the committee’s vote distribution, which will reveal the degree of support for further easing. A strong consensus in favour of a cut (especially amid continued disinflation) could reinforce expectations of additional rate reductions at future meetings.
Monday, 4th of Aug
Tuesday, 5th of Aug
Wednesday, 6th of Aug
Thursday, 7th of Aug
Friday, 8th of Aug