GDP figures in Europe

In Europe, markets are expected to examine some very important economic data over the coming week. The first economic release relates to the Eurozone Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the month of October, which is expected to decline following the fall in energy prices. Another important statistic scheduled to be released next week relates to economic activity within the Eurozone with the release of the final Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the third quarter.

Meanwhile, the Sentix Investor confidence and the Zew survey will provide a measure of investor's confidence within the European economy. In conclusion, markets will also take a view on the production front through the release of the industrial production figures during the month of September.

On the other side of the Atlantic, market participants will come across some economic data related to various sectors of the economy. In lieu of the weakness in the labour market, stricter credit access and lower stock markets analysts see little reason for the University of Michigan confidence index to rise. Besides, retail sales figures are also likely to weaken further as consumers continue to tighten spending.

Meanwhile, markets will take a view of the housing and labour market through the release of the MBA mortgage applications and the initial jobless and continuing claims, both for the first week of November. Trade balance figures, import price figures and business inventories will close the week's data release.

In the UK, the main focus will be on the Bank of England quarterly inflation report scheduled to be released on Wednesday. Of equal importance is the input and output Producer Price Index (PPI), both for the month of October. Labour market data will wrap up the weekly schedule, as the ILO unemployment rate for the three months ending September is issued.

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.