Upcoming macroeconomic events – May/June 2019
Do you write or edit portfolio manager commentaries? Do you want to stay on top of the macroeconomic events that shape your day-to-day life as a financial services marketer?
If so, here are the big macro events that the ext. team is keeping an eye on over the coming weeks.
- The Bank of Canada (“BoC”) will announce its interest rate decision on May 29. The BoC held its benchmark overnight interest rate steady at 1.75% after its latest meeting in April. Domestic and global economic activity had slowed more than the BoC projected earlier in the year. The BoC will carefully monitor developments in household spending and global trade before any future rate increases. Markets are expecting the BoC to hold steady again at this meeting
- On May 31, Canada will announce its first quarter gross domestic product (“GDP”) growth rate. Canada’s GDP growth slowed to 0.4% annualized in the fourth quarter of 2018, following an expansion of 2.0% in the third quarter. GDP growth was negatively impacted by a decline in housing investment and exports. After a monthly expansion in January, GDP contracted in February. Canada’s economy has not been immune toe effects of a slowdown in global economic activity, weaker oil prices and trade uncertainty
- The IHS Markit U.S. Manufacturing Purchasing Manager’s Index (“PMI”) for May will be announced on June 3. PMI was 52.6 in April, due in part to a rise in output and new orders. While an improvement versus the previous month, it was the second weakest expansion over the past two years. This reading will give investors an indication of the strength of the goods producing sector
- The U.S. unemployment rate for May will be announced on June 7. In April, the unemployment rate fell to 3.6%, its lowest rate since 1969. Over 260,000 jobs were added in April, led by the construction and health care industry, while wages also advanced. Labour markets continue to be strong which bodes well for the overall health of the U.S. economy
- On June 9, Japan will announce its final first quarter GDP growth rate. Japan’s GDP grew 1.9% annualized in the fourth quarter of 2018, partly as a result of a rise in consumer spending and business investment. This followed a 2.4% contraction in the third quarter, when the country was hit by a series of natural disasters. First quarter GDP growth may be weak, given a decline in industrial output, along with weak exports
- The U.S. will announce its inflation rate for May on June 12. In April, inflation was 2.0%, an increase from the 1.9% in March. Since late 2018, inflation has eased, primarily as a result of the drop in energy prices. However, this has reversed given the recent surge in energy prices