Trading Week Ahead: FOMC and PCE in Focus

With US markets closed on Monday for a holiday, attention turns to a packed week of economic data and earnings. A cooler-than-expected inflation reading has revived hopes for a Fed rate cut as early as June, while AI-related concerns continue to weigh on tech. This week’s PCE inflation and GDP figures could provide a crucial update for policymakers and markets alike, alongside key corporate results from Walmart, Palo Alto Networks, and others.

👉 FOMC Meeting Minutes
On Wednesday evening, the minutes will offer a deeper look into the Fed’s January decision. Any signs of disagreement or concern around the inflation outlook could move yields and shift dollar sentiment.

👉 US GDP
Q4 growth is forecast to be revised down to 2.8% from the initial 4.4%. A downgrade may weigh on the soft-landing narrative and support risk assets. A stronger revision would likely boost the dollar.

👉 Core PCE Price Index
The Fed’s preferred inflation gauge is expected to rise 0.3%, up from 0.2% previously. A hotter print could challenge dovish expectations and lift the dollar. A soft number would support equities and cut pricing.

17/02/26

Time

08:00

Instrument

GBP

Event
Claimant Count Change

Time

08:00

Instrument

EUR

Event
German CPI

Time

14:30

Instrument

CAD

Event
CPI

18/02/26

Time

08:00

Instrument

GBP

Event
CPI

Time

20:00

Instrument

USD

Event
FOMC Meeting Minutes

19/02/26

Time

16:00

Instrument

USD

Event
Pending Home Sales

20/02/26

Time

08:00

Instrument

GBP

Event
Retail Sales

Time

10:30

Instrument

GBP

Event
PMI

Time

14:30

Instrument

CAD

Event
Retail Sales

Time

14:30

Instrument

USD

Event
GDP

Time

14:30

Instrument

USD

Event
Core PCE Price Index

Time

15:45

Instrument

USD

Event
PMI

Time

16:00

Instrument

USD

Event
New Home Sales

Date	Time	Instrument	Event
17/02/26	08:00	GBP	Claimant Count Change
		EUR	German CPI
	14:30	CAD	CPI
18/02/26	08:00	GBP	CPI
	20:00	USD	FOMC Meeting Minutes
19/02/26	16:00	USD	Pending Home Sales
20/02/26	08:00	GBP	Retail Sales
	10:30	GBP	PMI
	14:30	CAD	Retail Sales
		USD	GDP
		USD	Core PCE Price Index
	15:45	USD	PMI
	16:00	USD	New Home Sales

*All times in the table are in GMT+1

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