The Week Ahead: Key Economic Events to Watch for August 4 – 8, 2025

This week’s economic calendar is packed with high-impact events that could drive volatility across major currencies. Key data releases include Switzerland’s CPI, the US ISM Services PMI, New Zealand’s employment figures, the UK’s interest rate decision, and Canada’s jobs report. In addition, several major companies, including BP, Caterpillar, Pfizer, and Disney, are set to release earnings, which could influence equity markets.

High Impact Economic Events

Monday 09:30 am (GMT+3) – Switzerland: CPI m/m (CHF)

Tuesday 17:00 (GMT+3) – USA: ISM Services PMI (USD)

Wednesday 01:45 am (GMT+3) – New Zealand: Employment Change q/q (NZD)

Thursday 14:00 (GMT+3) – UK: Official Bank Rate (GBP)

Friday 15:30 (GMT+3) – Canada: Employment Change (CAD)

Monday, August 4

09:30 am – Switzerland: CPI m/m (CHF)

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) tracks the changes in the prices of goods and services that reflect the spending habits of private households in Switzerland.

It shows how much consumers need to adjust their spending to maintain the same level of consumption despite price fluctuations.

In June 2025, Switzerland’s consumer prices rose 0.2% from May, pushing the index to 107.8 points. Compared to June 2024, inflation was just 0.1%, showing prices are mostly stable.

Analysts expect prices to fall slightly next month, with the consumer price index forecast to drop by 0.2%.

Tuesday, August 5

17:00 – USA: ISM Services PMI (USD)

The ISM Services PMI measures activity in the US service sector for the reporting month. It is derived from a survey of supply executives in the services sector. Readings above 50 can have a positive effect on US dollar quotes.

US services activity grew in June, with the ISM Services PMI rising to 50.8 after a brief May contraction. Business activity and new orders rebounded, but employment fell. Prices stayed high, inventories increased, and backlogs shrank. Ten industries reported growth.

Economists project a growth rate of 51.5%.

Wednesday, August 6

01:45 am – New Zealand: Employment Change q/q (NZD)

The New Zealand Employment Change tracks the monthly variation in the number of officially employed individuals in the country. An increase in employment indicates a stronger labor market and can positively influence the value of the New Zealand dollar.

In May 2025, the number of seasonally adjusted filled jobs rose by 0.1% from April, adding 1,689 positions to reach 2.35 million. Primary industries saw a 0.4% increase, goods-producing industries fell by 0.2%, and service industries grew by 0.1%

Analysts forecast a 0.1% decline in filled jobs for the next report.

Thursday, August 7

14:00 – UK: Official Bank Rate (GBP)

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) sets monetary policy to achieve a 2% inflation target while supporting sustainable economic growth and employment. It adopts a forward-looking, medium-term strategy to ensure inflation remains stable and sustainable.

In June, the Bank of England kept interest rates at 4.25% as inflation held at 3.4%. While price pressures have eased, growth remains weak, and the labour market is softening. The Bank expects inflation to stay near current levels before falling in 2026 and plans to keep rates high until it is sustainably back to target.

Analysts expect a 25-basis-point rate cut at the upcoming meeting.

Friday, August 8

15:30 – Canada: Employment Change (CAD)

Change in the number of employed individuals in the previous month. In general, when the actual figure is greater than the forecast, it is positive for the currency.

In June, Canada added 83,000 jobs, lifting the employment rate to 60.9% and pushing unemployment down to 6.9%. Gains were led by core-aged workers, with growth in retail, wholesale, and health care, while agriculture saw losses. Wages rose 3.2% year-over-year to $36.01.

Analysts forecast a 15,300 job increase next month.

Company Earnings (August 4 – 8)

Tuesday, August 5: BP (BP p.l.c.)

Tuesday, August 5: CAT (Caterpillar Inc.)

Tuesday, August 5: DVN (Devon Energy Corporation)

Tuesday, August 5: PFE (Pfizer Inc.)

Tuesday, August 5: SNAP (Snap Inc.)

Wednesday, August 6: AIG (American International Group, Inc.)

Wednesday, August 6: DIS (The Walt Disney Company)

Wednesday, August 6: LYFT (Lyft, Inc.)

Wednesday, August 6: MCD (McDonald’s Corporation)

Conclusion

With a mix of key economic data and major corporate earnings on tap, markets could see sharp moves throughout the week. Traders will be watching closely for signals on inflation, interest rate paths, and labor market health, while earnings results may add further momentum—or volatility—to market trends.