The Week Ahead: Key Economic Events to Watch for April 7 – 11, 2025

The upcoming week features several high-impact economic events and corporate earnings that could shape market sentiment across currencies, commodities, and equities. Central bank decisions, inflation data, labor market indicators, and GDP figures from key economies are in focus, alongside earnings reports from major US firms. Investors will be closely watching the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s interest rate decision, US inflation and jobless claims data, the UK’s GDP release, and the latest trends in crude oil inventories and producer prices. Additionally, earnings from Delta, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo may offer insight into corporate health amid evolving economic conditions.

High Impact Economic Events

Wednesday 05:00 am (GMT+3) – New Zealand: Official Cash Rate (NZD)

Wednesday 15:30 (GMT+3) – USA: Crude Oil Inventories (USD)

Thursday 15:30 (GMT+3) – USA: CPI m/m (USD)

Thursday 15:30 (GMT+3) – USA: Unemployment Claims (USD)

Friday 09:00 (GMT+3) – UK: GDP m/m (GBP)

Friday 15:30 (GMT+3) – USA: PPI m/m (USD) 

Wednesday, April 9

05:00 am – New Zealand: Official Cash Rate (NZD)

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) reviews its interest rate policy every six weeks, setting the rate at which loans are provided to commercial banks. This rate is a key instrument of the RBNZ’s monetary policy, aimed at managing the strength of the New Zealand dollar (NZD). A rate increase typically strengthens the NZD by attracting foreign capital and boosting demand for the currency. Consequently, market participants closely monitor changes in the interest rate to determine their potential impact on NZD performance.

In February, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand reduced the Official Cash Rate (OCR) to 3.75% to support the economy. Inflation held steady at 2.2% in late 2024. Economic activity has been weak, but signs of recovery are emerging, helped by lower interest rates and improved export conditions. Unemployment has risen but is expected to fall as the economy strengthens. Wage growth will likely stay modest due to a softer labor market and low inflation.

Economists expect an additional rate cut of 25 basis points.

15:30 – USA: Crude Oil Inventories (USD)

The Crude Oil Stocks Change Indicator is published weekly by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). It gauges the volume (barrels) of commercial crude oil held by US companies, influencing global oil prices. Increasing stocks signal reduced oil demand, potentially leading to a decline in oil barrel prices.

As of March 28, 2025, US refinery activity dipped slightly, with crude inputs at 15.6 million barrels/day and utilization at 86%. Crude imports rose, but the four-week average remains below last year. Commercial crude inventories grew by 6.2 million barrels but stayed 4% under the five-year average.

Thursday, April 10

15:30 – USA: CPI m/m (USD)

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the change in prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services, reflecting spending patterns of urban consumers and wage earners. It includes indexes like CPI-U for all urban consumers and CPI-W for urban wage earners, covering over 90% of the US population. CPI tracks inflation by comparing current prices to a reference base period.

In February, the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.2%, down from 0.5% in January. Over the past year, prices increased 2.8%. Shelter costs drove nearly half of the monthly rise, while airline fares and gasoline prices declined. Core inflation (excluding food and energy) also rose 0.2%, with gains in medical care, used cars, and household items. Year-over-year, core inflation was 3.1%, while food prices rose 2.6% and energy prices fell 0.2%.

Analysts project a reading of 0.1%.

15:30 – USA: Unemployment Claims (USD)

An initial claim is filed by an unemployed individual seeking eligibility for unemployment insurance after leaving a job. This count serves as a leading economic indicator, reflecting labor market conditions. However, because these are weekly administrative data, they can be volatile and challenging to adjust seasonally.

For the week ending March 29, initial jobless claims fell by 6,000 to 219,000. The four-week average also dipped slightly to 223,000. However, insured unemployment rose to 1.9 million—the highest since November 2021—with the insured jobless rate ticking up to 1.3%.

Economists expect a reading of 223,000.

Friday, April 11

09:00 – UK: GDP m/m (GBP)

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures a country’s economic size and health over time, typically quarterly or annually. It can be calculated by totaling the value of goods and services produced, income earned, or spending. Household spending is the largest component, making up about two-thirds of GDP. Growth in GDP signals an expanding economy, but it doesn’t capture all aspects of economic well-being.

UK real GDP fell by 0.1% in January 2025, following 0.4% growth in December, mainly due to a drop in production output. Over the three months to January, GDP rose 0.2%, driven by growth in the services sector. In January, services grew slightly, while production fell 0.9% and construction dipped 0.2%.

Economists expect a slight growth of 0.1%.

15:30 – USA: PPI m/m (USD)

The Producer Price Index (PPI) measures the average change in prices received by producers for goods, services, and construction. The PPI covers a broad range of industries and is used alongside other economic indicators like the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures price changes from the buyer’s perspective. Growth in the index can have a positive effect on dollar quotes.

US producer prices were flat in February after rising in the previous two months. Goods prices rose 0.3%, driven by a spike in food costs, while services prices fell 0.2%. Year-over-year, the Producer Price Index rose 3.2%.

Economists anticipate that the Producer Price Index (PPI) will increase by 0.2%.

Company Earnings (April 7 – 11)

Wednesday, April 9: DAL ( Delta Air Lines, Inc.)

Friday, April 11: JPM (JPMorgan Chase & Co.)

Friday, April 11: WFC (Wells Fargo & Company)

Conclusion

With a packed calendar of key economic releases and major corporate earnings, markets are likely to remain active and responsive throughout the week. Central bank decisions, inflation data, and labor market signals will be closely analyzed for their implications on monetary policy paths. Meanwhile, earnings from Delta, JPMorgan, and Wells Fargo will provide fresh insight into business conditions and consumer trends. Together, these developments will help shape investor expectations and guide market direction in the days ahead.