Top 5 things to watch in markets in the week ahead
investing.comInvesting.com — In the coming week U.S. inflation data will be closely watched, along with comments from several Federal Reserve officials, which will help investors shape their views on the future path of interest rates. Retailers are due to report earnings against a background of persistent concerns over inflation and the economic outlook and oil prices look set to remain volatile. Here’s what you need to know to start your week.
Investors are awaiting Tuesday’s U.S. consumer price data for October, for an update on the Fed’s progress in its battle to keep lowering inflation from last year’s multi-decade highs.
Inflation is expected to have risen 0.1% on a monthly basis. September's CPI rose 0.4% on a surprise surge in rental costs, but also showed a moderation in underlying inflation pressures.
A sharper cooling could fan the peak rate talk, fuelled by October's employment report, which pointed to easing conditions in the labor market.
The U.S. is also to release producer price data along with retail sales numbers for October, which are expected to dip into negative territory after a string of solid monthly gains.
Other data due for release includes reports on industrial production, housing starts and initial jobless claims.
Investors will get a chance to hear from several Fed officials during the week, including New York Fed President John Williams, Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee, Governor Philip Jefferson and Governor Michael Barr as policymakers weigh any further tightening ahead of their next meeting on Dec. 12-13.
Last Thursday, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said officials «are not confident» that interest rates are yet high enough to finish the battle with inflation. While the Fed does not want to overtighten
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