Economic calendar

Previous0.3%

What it is

A monthly estimate of how prices of goods and services are changing in Australia, produced by the Melbourne Institute at the University of Melbourne.

Why it matters

It comes out before the official CPI, so traders use it as an early hint of inflation trends, which relate to RBA interest rate decisions. It is usually a low-to-medium impact release.

Usual market reaction

Markets usually compare the actual figure with the forecast. A higher-than-forecast reading tends to support the Australian dollar, as traders may see the RBA keeping rates higher for longer, while a lower reading often weighs on it. The reaction is usually milder than for the official CPI.

Forecast1.8%Previous-6.1%

What it is

Data on the number of permits approved for new buildings in Australia, published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) as a change from the previous month.

Why it matters

Approvals are a forward-looking sign of construction activity and the housing market, which is sensitive to interest rates. It is usually a low-to-medium impact release, and the figure often jumps around from month to month.

Usual market reaction

Markets usually compare the actual figure with the forecast. A higher-than-forecast result tends to support the Australian dollar as it suggests solid housing demand and a stronger economy, while a lower one often weighs on it. The reaction is usually modest.

Forecast52.0Previous52.1

What it is

A survey of purchasing managers at private Chinese factories, compiled by S&P Global (formerly known as the Caixin PMI). A reading above 50 means the manufacturing sector is expanding, and below 50 means it is contracting.

Why it matters

It is one of the first monthly readings on the health of China's economy, so traders watch it closely. Its importance is usually moderate.

Usual market reaction

Prices tend to react to the actual figure compared with the forecast. A higher-than-forecast result usually supports the yuan and commodity-linked currencies such as the AUD, and often helps stock market sentiment. A lower-than-forecast result usually weighs on them.

Previous15.5%

What it is

A commodity price index published by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). It shows the year-on-year change in prices of Australia's main exports, such as iron ore, coal and LNG.

Why it matters

Australia relies heavily on commodity export income, so price changes matter for its economy. This release usually has a fairly small market impact.

Usual market reaction

Prices tend to react to the actual figure compared with the forecast. A higher-than-forecast rise in commodity prices usually supports the Australian dollar (AUD), as export earnings often improve, while a lower result tends to weigh on it. The reaction is often muted because traders can already see these prices moving in the market.

Forecast3.0%Previous3.2%

What it is

The change in retail sales in Switzerland compared with the same period a year earlier, published by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Why it matters

It shows how strong domestic consumer spending is, which ties into growth and inflation. The impact on markets is usually fairly small.

Usual market reaction

Prices tend to react to the actual figure compared with the forecast. A higher-than-forecast result usually gives slight support to the Swiss franc (CHF), as it points to a healthy domestic economy, while a lower result tends to weigh on it. The franc is often driven more by global risk sentiment and Swiss National Bank signals.

Forecast55.3Previous55.3

What it is

A monthly survey of purchasing managers in Switzerland's manufacturing sector, published by procure.ch. A reading above 50 suggests expansion, while below 50 suggests contraction.

Why it matters

It helps gauge the health of Swiss industry, which relies heavily on exports. It is generally of moderate importance.

Usual market reaction

Prices react to the actual figure compared with the forecast. A higher-than-forecast result usually supports the Swiss franc (CHF), while a lower one tends to weigh on it. However, the franc is often seen as a safe haven, so it may respond more to global risk mood than to this release alone.