FX.co ★ Week Ahead - Aug 31st

Global markets continue to be anchored by long-term interest rates, which remained elevated at the start of September. This reflects persistent pressure from high energy prices, robust AI-related corporate debt issuance, and large fiscal deficits, all set against signs of resilient economic growth. In the US, attention will center on labor market data—particularly the BLS Employment Situation report—as FOMC members continue to characterize conditions as consistent with full employment. The ISM manufacturing and services PMIs will also be closely watched. In Europe, investors await Eurozone inflation and unemployment figures. In China, the first key readings for August will come from PMI releases. Japan faces a data-heavy week featuring retail sales, the unemployment rate, industrial production, and consumer confidence. GDP releases from Brazil, India, and Australia are also due, while the central banks of Canada and New Zealand are scheduled to announce their latest policy decisions.