Economic calendar

15:00 CHF Swiss Unemployment RateUnemployment Rate Forecast 3.1%Previous 3.1%

What it is: This shows the share of the Swiss labour force that is out of work. It is published monthly by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
Why it matters: Traders use it to gauge the health of the Swiss labour market and economy, which can influence the Swiss National Bank's (SNB) view on interest rates. It is usually of medium importance.
Usual market reaction: Prices react to the actual figure compared with the forecast. A higher-than-forecast unemployment rate is often read as a weaker economy and tends to weigh on the Swiss franc (CHF), while a lower-than-forecast figure usually supports it. The reaction is often modest compared with inflation data or central bank meetings.

16:30 GBP UK Construction PMIConstruction PMI Forecast 46.4Previous 46.1

What it is: This is a survey-based index of purchasing managers at UK construction companies. It is compiled by S&P Global and CIPS.
Why it matters: A reading above 50 usually signals the construction sector is expanding, while below 50 suggests contraction. Traders use it as a clue to UK economic momentum, though it is generally less important than the services and manufacturing PMIs.
Usual market reaction: Prices react to the actual figure compared with the forecast. A PMI above the forecast is often read as a sign of a stronger economy and tends to support the pound (GBP), while a lower one usually weighs on it. The reaction is often light to moderate.

19:00 GBP BOE Official Bank RateOfficial Bank Rate Forecast 4.00%Previous 3.75%

What it is: The main interest rate of the United Kingdom, set by the Bank of England's (BOE) Monetary Policy Committee.
Why it matters: It is one of the biggest drivers of the pound, because interest rates affect borrowing costs, inflation and capital flows.
Usual market reaction: Prices usually react to the actual rate compared with the forecast. A rate higher than expected, or a hawkish signal from the BOE, tends to support the pound, while a lower one often weighs on it. Gold is usually affected only indirectly, through moves in the US dollar. If the result matches expectations, the accompanying statement often matters more.

19:00 GBP BOE Monetary Policy Report

What it is: A quarterly report from the Bank of England (BOE), released alongside its rate decision, with forecasts for inflation and economic growth.
Why it matters: It shows how the BOE sees the economy and inflation, which is linked to the future path of interest rates. It is usually a major event for the GBP.
Usual market reaction: Traders usually listen for hints about interest rates. Higher inflation forecasts or a firm tone often support the GBP, while weaker growth forecasts or a softer tone tend to weigh on it. Markets often react to what differs from expectations and can be volatile around the press conference.

19:00 GBP BOE Monetary Policy SummaryMonetary Policy Summary

What it is: A document the Bank of England (BOE) publishes alongside its interest rate announcement, explaining the reasons for its decision and its view on inflation and the economy.
Why it matters: Traders read it to judge whether the BOE is leaning toward raising or cutting rates. It is usually considered highly important because it comes out with the rate decision.
Usual market reaction: Prices usually react to the wording compared with what the market expected. If the tone is more hawkish than expected, such as worry about inflation, the pound often gains support; if it is softer or hints at rate cuts, the pound tends to weaken. Pairs like GBP/USD can swing sharply when it is released.

19:00 GBP MPC Official Bank Rate Votes Forecast 7-0-2Previous 3-0-6

What it is: A breakdown of how each member of the BOE's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted, for example to hold, raise or cut rates. It is released with the rate decision.
Why it matters: The vote split helps show where rates might go next. When members disagree strongly, the market usually pays closer attention.
Usual market reaction: Prices usually react to the votes compared with what the market expected. If more members vote to raise rates than forecast, the pound often gains support; if more vote to cut than expected, it tends to weaken. Traders often treat dissenting votes as a clue that policy may be changing direction.

19:30 GBP BOE Governor Bailey SpeaksBOE Gov Bailey Speaks

What it is: A speech or public comments by the Governor of the Bank of England (BOE), Andrew Bailey, on the economy, inflation and monetary policy.
Why it matters: The Governor is the most influential voice at the BOE, so his words are often used to read where interest rates may head. Its importance depends on the topic and timing.
Usual market reaction: Traders usually listen for hints about rate hikes or cuts and compare the tone with what the market expected. A more hawkish tone than expected tends to support the pound, while a softer tone or worry about slower growth often weighs on it. Prices can be volatile during the speech, especially in any question-and-answer session.

19:40 CHF SNB Chairman Schlegel Speaks

What it is: This is a public speech or set of remarks by Martin Schlegel, Chairman of the Swiss National Bank (SNB), which is Switzerland's central bank.
Why it matters: A central bank chief's comments can offer clues about interest rates, monetary policy and the central bank's view of the Swiss franc. Traders follow it, and its importance usually depends on what is said.
Usual market reaction: Traders usually listen for hints about rate changes, views on inflation or possible action on the currency. If the tone is firmer than the market expects, the Swiss franc often strengthens, while a softer tone than expected tends to weigh on it. Gold sometimes draws attention when the franc moves sharply, as both are often seen as safe-haven assets.

Thursday 5 November 2026