Published 1 month ago in Trading Week Ahead

Trading Week Ahead: Fed Rates & Big Tech Earnings

Markets are bracing for a blockbuster week of central bank decisions and mega-cap earnings. With Brent crude above $100, the Fed and ECB are widely expected to hold rates steady, making their forward guidance critical. The Bank of Japan also takes centre stage as markets watch for a hawkish pivot on its 0.75% rate amid energy-driven inflation. On the corporate front, Verizon kicks off Q1 earnings, but the spotlight remains on Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta. Wall Street will intensely dissect their massive AI capital expenditures as the global AI race accelerates.

Brace for this week’s three key macro events:

👉 US Fed Interest Rate Decision – 20:00, Wednesday (CEST)

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to hold rates steady at 3.75%. However, with oil prices rising, traders will heavily parse the accompanying statement for any hawkish shifts regarding the inflation outlook and future rate paths.

👉 EUR Main Refinancing Rate – 14:15, Thursday (CEST)

The European Central Bank is forecast to keep its rates unchanged at 2.15%. Following recent comments from ECB officials prioritising caution amid the Middle East conflict, markets will be looking for clues on whether the anticipated June and September hikes are still on the table.

👉 US PCE Price Index – 14:30, Thursday (CEST)

As the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, this print is the standout data release of the week. An upside surprise, fuelled by the recent energy shock, could severely dent rate-cut hopes and trigger significant volatility across dollar crosses and equities.

28/04/26

Time

05:00

Instrument

JPY

Event
BoJ Interest Rate Decision

Time

16:00

Instrument

USD

Event
CB Consumer Confidence

29/04/26

Time

03:30

Instrument

AUD

Event
CPI

Time

14:00

Instrument

EUR

Event
German CPI

Time

15:45

Instrument

CAD

Event
BoC Interest Rate Decision

Time

20:00

Instrument

USD

Event
Fed Interest Rate Decision

30/04/26

Time