The Week Ahead: Key Economic Events to Watch for March 10 – 14, 2025 

This week will provide insights into labor market conditions, inflation trends, and economic growth across major economies. The US will release job openings data, CPI, PPI, and unemployment claims, offering a clearer picture of hiring trends, consumer price pressures, and producer costs.

Canada’s central bank will announce its policy rate decision, with expectations of a rate cut, while the UK will report GDP data, reflecting its economic trajectory. These indicators will influence market sentiment and currency movements, with analysts closely watching inflation and labor market trends for signs of economic momentum.

Tuesday, 16:00 (GMT+2) – USA: JOLTS Job Openings (USD)
Wednesday 14:30 (GMT+2) – USA: CPI m/m (USD)
Wednesday 15:45 (GMT+2) – Canada: Overnight Rate (CAD)
Thursday 14:30 (GMT+2) – USA: PPI m/m (USD)
Thursday 14:30 (GMT+2) – USA: Unemployment Claims (USD)
Friday 09:00 am (GMT+2) – UK: GDP m/m (GBP)

16:00 – USA: JOLTS Job Openings (USD)

It’s a monthly report based on employers’ surveys, indicating job vacancies in the US commercial, industrial, and office areas, excluding the farming industry.

US job openings fell to 7.6 million in December, down 556,000 from the previous month. Declines were seen in professional and business services, health care, and finance, while arts and entertainment saw an increase.

Hires held steady at 5.5 million but declined over the year, with gains in finance and insurance. Total separations remained at 5.3 million, with quits at 3.2 million and layoffs at 1.8 million.

Growth in the indicator may have a positive effect on US dollar quotes.

Economists expect the number of job openings to reach 7.1 million.

14:30 – 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.

US consumer prices rose 0.5% in January, up from 0.4% in December, with annual inflation at 3.0%. Shelter costs increased 0.4%, making up nearly 30% of the monthly rise.

Core inflation, excluding food and energy, rose 0.4%, with higher costs for auto insurance, recreation, used cars, medical care, and airline fares.

Year-over-year, core inflation reached 3.3%, food prices rose 2.5%, and energy increased 1.0%, signaling continued but moderate inflation.

Analysts anticipate a reading of 0.3%.

15:45 – Canada: Overnight Rate (CAD)

The Bank of Canada uses the target for the overnight rate, also known as the policy interest rate, to control inflation. This rate influences other interest rates in the economy, affecting loans, mortgages, and savings. The Bank adjusts this rate to either stimulate economic growth by lowering it (encouraging spending) or to curb inflation by raising it (encouraging savings). The target rate is part of the Bank’s broader strategy to maintain economic stability.

The Bank of Canada cut its overnight rate to 3% and announced plans to end quantitative tightening. Asset purchases will resume in March, aiming for a stable and modestly growing balance sheet.

Economists project a rate cut of 25 basis points.

14:30 – 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 rose 0.4% in January after a 0.5% increase in December, with a 3.5% annual gain. Final demand services increased 0.3%, driven by higher accommodation and transportation costs, while goods rose 0.6%, mainly due to energy prices. Core PPI, excluding food, energy, and trade services, rose 0.3% in January and 3.4% over the year. Higher input costs, especially for diesel fuel and raw materials, indicate ongoing inflationary pressures.

Analysts expect a reading at 0.3%.

14:30 – 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.

Initial jobless claims fell to 221,000 for the week ending March 1, down 21,000 from the previous week. The four-week moving average edged up slightly to 224,250, an increase of 250 from the prior week, indicating overall stability in the labor market.

Analysts anticipate a figure of 226,000.

09:00 am – 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.

Real GDP grew by 0.4% in December 2024, following a 0.1% increase in November and a 0.1% decline in October, indicating a modest economic rebound at the end of the year.

Analysts anticipate a reading of 0.1%.

Monday, March 10: ORCL (Oracle Corporation)

This week’s economic data will provide key insights into inflation, labor market trends, and economic growth. With reports on US job openings, CPI, PPI, and unemployment claims, alongside Canada’s rate decision and the UK’s GDP update, markets will be closely watching for signs of economic momentum and policy shifts. The data could influence central bank decisions, currency movements, and overall market sentiment in the weeks ahead.