Investors will be awaiting an update on the health of the U.S. and UK economies this week ahead of Friday’s data on first quarter growth. Monetary policy meetings in the euro zone. Japan will also be in focus.The European Central Bank expects to leave monetary policy unchanged after its meeting on Thursday, but investors will be on the lookout for signs that the bank is moving closer to exiting its stimulus program.The dollar rose to two week highs against a currency basket on Friday, boosted by expectations for a faster pace of rate hikes by the Federal Reserve this year while dovish comments by central bank officials weighed on sterling and the euro.The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a basket of six major currencies, was up 0.49% at 90.08 late Friday, after rising as high as 90.25 earlier, the most since April 6. For the week, the index was up 0.65%.


Monday, April 23


The euro zone is to release data on manufacturing and service sector activity.


The U.S. is to report on existing home sales.


Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz is to testify before the House of Commons finance committee in Ottawa

Tuesday, April 24


Australia is to release data on inflation.


The Ifo Institute is to report on German business climate.


The U.S. is to release data on consumer confidence.

Wednesday, April 25


Financial markets in Australia will remain closed for a holiday.


BoC Governor Stephen Poloz is to testify before the Senate banking committee in Ottawa.

Thursday, April 26


The ECB is to announce its latest monetary policy decision. The announcement is to be followed by a press conference with President Mario Draghi.


The U.S. is to release reports on durable goods orders and initial jobless claims.

Friday, April 27


South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are expected to hold a summit meeting to discuss de-nuclearization and a peace treaty.


The Bank of Japan is to announce its benchmark interest rate and publish a rate statement which outlines economic conditions and the factors affecting the monetary policy decision. The announcement is to be followed by a press conference.


Swiss National Bank Chairman Thomas Jordan is to speak at an event in Bern.


The UK is to release preliminary data on first quarter economic growth as well as revised data on consumer sentiment.


The U.S. is to publish advance data on first quarter growth.


Bank of England Governor Mark Carney is to speak at an event in London.

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