Published: Friday, 18 September 2026 at 12.30pm (UK)
Compared with recent weeks, financial markets may have fewer catalysts, with limited economic data, no major central bank announcements, and fewer earnings releases. This will give markets a chance to digest events over the past week and a half, including central bank meetings and updated guidance on the likely direction of monetary policy.
The week’s highlights include global purchasing manager indices (PMI) reports, which will help to show the health and direction of activity across the manufacturing and services sectors of major economies, and Australia’s labour market report, both of which could influence the outlook for Australian interest rates. Meanwhile, Costco’s earnings may offer a glimpse into the health of the US consumer.
Global PMI surveys
Wednesday 23 September
Flash PMI reports will provide an update of global economic conditions and how economies are evolving through September. While the focus is likely to remain on inflation indicators, such as prices paid, other sub-indices will offer clues on whether economic growth is gathering pace, or beginning to slow.
When the Federal Reserve raised US interest rates, it noted that US economic growth appeared to be accelerating, which may have helped justify the decision. Further signs of stronger US growth, or an improvement in the European economy, could significantly affect the euro against the US dollar.
