Investing.com - Global financial markets will continue to focus on key U.S. reports in the week ahead to gauge if the world's largest economy is strong enough to withstand higher borrowing costs in the months ahead, with Friday’s retail sales data in the spotlight.
In addition, there are a handful of Fed speakers on tap, including Chair Janet Yellen, as traders look for more clues on the likelihood of higher interest rates later this year.
Meanwhile, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is to hold a press conference which investors will be watching for any hints about the possible direction of economic policy.
This week also marks the start of the fourth-quarter earnings season in the U.S.
Elsewhere, China is to release what will be closely watched trade and inflation data amid ongoing concerns over the health of the world's second biggest economy.
Ahead of the coming week, Investing.com has compiled a list of the five biggest events on the economic calendar that are most likely to affect the markets.
1. U.S. December Retail Sales
The Commerce Department will publish data on December retail sales at 8:30AM ET (13:30GMT) Friday. The consensus forecast is that the report will show retail sales rose 0.7% last month, after gaining 0.1% in November. Core sales are forecast to inch up 0.5%, after rising 0.2% a month earlier.
Rising retail sales over time correlate with stronger economic growth, while weaker sales signal a declining economy. Consumer spending accounts for as much as 70% of U.S. economic growth.
Besides the retail sales report, this week's calendar also features U.S. data on initial jobless claims, producer price inflation and consumer sentiment.
2. Fed Speakers
A handful of Fed policymakers are due to make public appearances that may offer insight into how divided they are about raising rates in the coming months.
On Monday, Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren and Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart are on tap.
Thursday sees Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker, Chicago Fed President Charles Evans, Atlanta Fed's Lockhart, St. Louis Fed President James Bullard and Dallas Fed President Rob Kaplan make public appearances.
Also Thursday, Fed Chair Janet Yellen is scheduled to speak in Washington D.C. at 7:00PM ET (00:00GMT Friday).
Markets remained unconvinced of the Fed's projection of three rate hikes in 2017. Instead, investors are pricing in just two rate hikes during the course of this year, according to Investing.com’s Fed Rate Monitor Tool.
3. Trump Press Conference
U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump takes center stage with his first post-election news conference on Wednesday.
Investors will welcome any detail he may give on his promises of tax reform, infrastructure spending and deregulation, as well as insight regarding policies on China and the domestic economy.
President-elect Trump has been credited with being a major catalyst behind the market's impressive rally since election day, although he has yet to outline his economic policies in detail.
He will officially take office on January 20.
4. U.S. Q4 Earnings Season Kicks Off
Analysts expect fourth-quarter earnings will show an increase of 6.1% from a year ago. The S&P financial sector earnings are expected to have the biggest gains, with earnings up 15.7%.
Friday will see earnings from major banks such as JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM), Bank of America (NYSE:BAC), Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) and PNC Financial (NYSE:PNC).
5. China December Trade Data
China is to release December trade figures at around 03:00GMT on Friday (10:00PM ET Thursday). The report is expected to show that the country’s trade surplus widened to $46.5 billion last month from $44.6 billion in November.
Exports are forecast to have dropped 3.5% in December from a year earlier, following an increase of 0.1% a month ago, while imports are expected to rise 2.7%, after climbing 6.7% in November.
Additionally, on Tuesday, the Asian nation will publish data on December consumer and producer price inflation. The reports are expected to show that consumer prices rose 2.3% last month, while producer prices are forecast to increase by 4.5%.
Stay up-to-date on all of this week's economic events by visiting: http://www.investing.com/economic-calendar/