US February retail sales data

This will be a busy week as markets will be expecting numerous economic releases to assess the health of the three major economies.

In the US, the key indicator will be the retail sales data for February. The index measuring the increase in import prices during February is also due to be published this week with the January trade balance figures. On the inflation front, there will be the consumer price index data for February along with the University of Michigan consumer sentiment. The growth in wholesale and business inventories for January is also due this week.

In the UK, the market will look towards data to be issued this week on the Producer Price Index (PPI) both input and output for February. Industrial and manufacturing production figures for January will also be released this week along with trade balance data.

In euroland, the market's attention will focus on the national figures in France, Italy and Spain, followed by the final print of the euro area Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP). Of similar interest will be the area-wide and German ZEW surveys for March.

German trade balance figures and Spanish retail sales will be published this week, with national details for France and Italy. Euro Zone Consumer Price Index will close off the week with an indication on headline and core inflation.

This article has been prepared by Bank of Valletta plc, which is licensed to conduct investment services business by the MFSA, for your general information only. This information is not a solicitation or offer by the bank to acquire or sell securities, nor does it constitute any form of advice by the bank. Appropriate advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance and the value of your investments may fall or rise.