Economic calendar

What it is

A survey by the US Federal Reserve that asks bank loan officers about their lending standards and how much borrowers want to take out loans. It is usually released quarterly.

Why it matters

It shows whether banks are tightening or easing credit, which tends to influence spending and investment in the economy. Its market impact is usually low to moderate.

Usual market reaction

Markets often compare the result with the forecast or the previous survey. Easier lending standards and stronger loan demand than expected tend to give the US dollar mild support, while tighter standards than expected may weigh on it because they hint at slower growth. Gold and US stock indices may move with the dollar and with shifting views on interest rates.

Previous5.6%

What it is

The monthly change in the number of permits issued for new homes in New Zealand, published by the statistics agency Stats NZ.

Why it matters

Building permits are often an early sign of construction activity and the housing market, both of which affect the economy. The figure tends to be volatile from month to month, so its market impact is usually low to moderate.

Usual market reaction

Prices usually react to the actual figure compared with the forecast. A higher-than-forecast result often supports the New Zealand dollar (NZD) because it points to a firmer property sector, while a lower one tends to weigh on it. Traders often read it alongside other data and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's stance on interest rates.

Forecast46.2Previous46.8

What it is

A monthly survey of how Americans view the economic outlook, run by RealClearMarkets and TechnoMetrica (TIPP). A reading above 50 reflects a positive outlook.

Why it matters

Consumer confidence tends to be linked to spending, which is a key driver of the US economy. However, this index usually gets less attention than other sentiment surveys, so its importance is generally low.

Usual market reaction

Prices usually react to the actual figure compared with the forecast. A higher-than-forecast reading often gives the US dollar slight support because it signals better confidence, while a lower one tends to weigh on it. A stronger dollar usually pressures gold and a weaker dollar tends to help it, but the reaction to this release is often modest.

Previous5.42|3.6

What it is

The UK Debt Management Office (DMO) auctions 10-year government bonds (gilts) to raise money for the government.

Why it matters

The result shows how much demand there is for UK government debt and what it costs the country to borrow. It is usually of medium to fairly low importance, unless markets are worried about public debt.

Usual market reaction

Traders often look at the average yield and the bid-to-cover ratio compared with recent auctions and expectations. Stronger-than-expected demand tends to support confidence in gilts and the pound, while weak demand can push yields up and make the pound more volatile. The reaction is usually modest.

Forecast1.2%Previous0.1%

What it is

The US Census Bureau publishes the total value of new orders placed with factories for both durable and non-durable goods, compared with the previous month.

Why it matters

It reflects demand for manufactured goods and the health of US industry. However, the durable goods part is usually released earlier, so markets tend to treat this report as medium to fairly low importance.

Usual market reaction

Prices react to the actual figure compared with the forecast. A higher-than-forecast result usually points to a stronger economy and tends to support the US dollar, while a lower result often weighs on it. Gold often moves in the opposite direction to the dollar, so it may soften when the dollar strengthens and firm when the dollar weakens.

Forecast15.8MPrevious16.0M

What it is

Omdia, a market research firm, estimates total new vehicle sales in the US, usually shown as an annualised pace in millions of units.

Why it matters

Buying a car is a big purchase for households, so the figure gives a hint about consumer spending power and confidence. It is generally treated as a lower-importance release.

Usual market reaction

Prices react to the actual figure compared with the forecast. Higher-than-forecast sales suggest consumers are still spending and tend to support the US dollar, while weaker sales may weigh on it slightly. The reaction is often small, and gold tends to move in the opposite direction to the dollar.

Previous2.5%

What it is

Global Dairy Trade (GDT) is an online auction platform for dairy products such as milk powder and butter, held regularly, usually twice a month. The index shows the change in average prices from each auction.

Why it matters

Dairy is one of New Zealand's biggest exports, so dairy prices are linked to national income. NZD traders in particular tend to pay fair attention to it.

Usual market reaction

Prices react to the actual figure compared with the forecast or the previous auction. A higher-than-forecast result tends to support the New Zealand dollar because it suggests better export earnings, while a lower result often weighs on it. The impact is usually limited mainly to NZD pairs.

Previous2.5%

What it is

Global Dairy Trade (GDT) is an online auction platform for dairy products such as milk powder and butter, held regularly, usually twice a month. The index shows the change in average prices from each auction.

Why it matters

Dairy is one of New Zealand's biggest exports, so dairy prices are linked to national income. NZD traders in particular tend to pay fair attention to it.

Usual market reaction

Prices react to the actual figure compared with the forecast or the previous auction. A higher-than-forecast result tends to support the New Zealand dollar because it suggests better export earnings, while a lower result often weighs on it. The impact is usually limited mainly to NZD pairs.