This week brings a wave of economic data likely to stir currency market volatility across GBP, EUR, and USD pairs. With GDP readings from the UK and eurozone, alongside US retail sales, traders and businesses should brace for potential shifts in the markets. Timing strategies and managing exposures will be crucial as these releases unfold.
GBP – Labour Market Leads into Q2 GDP
Sterling’s week kicks off with Tuesday’s UK labour market update, including unemployment and wage growth. These figures will be closely watched for signs of softening that could accelerate expectations for interest rate cuts.
Thursday then brings Preliminary Q2 GDP, offering the first official growth snapshot for the quarter. A weak reading could weigh on GBP, especially if paired with soft jobs data earlier in the week.
- Tuesday: Labour market report (unemployment, wages)
- Thursday: Preliminary Q2 GDP
GBP Outlook: Early-week moves will be sentiment-driven, with sharper direction possible from Tuesday’s labour report and Thursday’s GDP. Stronger-than-expected figures could provide short-term support, but weak results may see GBP under pressure.
EUR – Inflation, Growth, and Industrial Data
The eurozone’s Q2 GDP print will follow shortly after the UK’s, adding another layer of potential currency market volatility. Recent data from individual member states has shown mixed signals, with stronger performances in some economies offset by weakness elsewhere. The reading will help define the broader narrative for the ECB’s monetary outlook.
- Tuesday: Eurozone inflation update
- Wednesday & Thursday: Retail sales, German industrial data
- Thursday: Preliminary Q2 GDP
EUR Outlook: Weak GDP or industrial results could weigh on the single currency, while positive surprises may offer only limited upside given the broader policy backdrop.
USD – Inflation, Consumer Strength, and Retail Sales
The U.S. dollar dominates global FX attention this week. Tuesday’s CPI release is the headline event, where a stronger print may delay expectations for Fed rate cuts and push USD higher.
The week rounds off with Friday’s retail sales data, a key measure of consumer spending strength. Together, these releases will heavily influence near-term USD direction, particularly in GBP/USD and EUR/USD.
- Tuesday: CPI
- Friday: Retail sales
USD Outlook: Inflation surprises to the upside could see the dollar rally, while softer CPI combined with weak retail sales might ease USD strength into the weekend.
Other Key Themes & Currencies
- RBA Rate Watch: RBA minutes or commentary could affect AUD sentiment
- JPY & commodities-linked FX: Global risk tone and headline risk (e.g., tariff talks) will be dominant drivers, especially with quieter data weeks.
Strategic Summary
| FX Pair | Strategic Insight |
|---|---|
| GBP/AED | With Sterling under pressure and AED pegged to USD, early forwards may preserve value, especially if inflation beats expectations. |
| EUR/USD | Layered sells or forwards may make sense ahead of Thursday’s German data if EUR looks vulnerable. |
| USD/JPY & AUD/CAD | Headline risk (CPI, tariffs) means positioning needs flexibility, consider staggered execution. |
At August Exchange, we help navigate news-heavy weeks with confidence, not chase reaction.
Did You Know?
Markets pulled back the dollar after the July CPI miss, with JPMorgan forecasting a 90% chance of a September Fed cut
