The Week Ahead: Key Economic Events to Watch for February 9 – 13, 2026

This week brings a series of high-impact economic releases that could drive volatility across major currencies and markets. Key data from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland will offer fresh insight into consumer spending, labor market conditions, economic growth, and inflation trends. In addition, several major corporate earnings reports are scheduled, which may influence broader market sentiment as investors assess both economic momentum and corporate performance.

High Impact Economic Events

Tuesday 15:30 (GMT+2) – USA: Retail Sales m/m (USD)

Wednesday 15:30 (GMT+2) – USA: Non-Farm Employment Change (USD)

Thursday 09:00 am (GMT+2) – UK: GDP m/m (GBP)

Thursday 15:30 (GMT+2) – USA: Unemployment Claims (USD)

Friday 09:30 am (GMT+2) – Switzerland: CPI m/m (CHF)

Friday 15:30 (GMT+2) – USA: CPI m/m (USD)

Tuesday, February 10

15:30 – USA: Retail Sales m/m (USD)

The Retail Sales report reflects the change in US retail sales from one month to the next. This indicator is used to assess inflation, and an increase in retail sales can positively influence the value of the US dollar.

In November 2025, US retail and food services sales rose 0.6% from the previous month to about $736 billion, indicating steady consumer spending. Sales were also up 3.3% compared with a year earlier.

Online retailers led the gains, with sales up more than 7% year over year, while restaurants and bars saw a nearly 5% increase. Overall, retail activity over the past three months remained stronger than last year, suggesting consumers continue to spend despite ongoing economic uncertainty.

Economists forecast retail sales growth of around 0.4% in the next release.

Wednesday, February 11

15:30 – USA: Non-Farm Employment Change (USD)

The Nonfarm Payrolls report reveals the number of new jobs created during the given month in all non-agricultural sectors of the US.

Growth in the indicator may have a positive effect on dollar quotes.

In December, job growth in the US was modest. The economy added about 50,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate stayed nearly the same at 4.4%, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Most of the new jobs were created in restaurants and bars, health care, and social services, while retail businesses cut jobs during the month.

Economists anticipate that about 70,000 new jobs will be added in the upcoming report.

Thursday, February 12

09:00 am – UK: GDP m/m (GBP)

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) represents the value of all goods and services produced in the UK in the current month compared to the previous month. The GDP calculation also includes expenditure on manufactured goods and provided services. Growth in GDP growth may have a positive effect on the pound quotes.

The UK economy showed modest growth in November 2025, suggesting a slow but steady recovery. Overall economic output rose by 0.3% compared with October, helped mainly by stronger activity in services and manufacturing. Over the latest three months, GDP grew by a small 0.1%, ending a period of stagnation.

Services, the largest part of the economy, continued to expand, while production also picked up in November. In contrast, construction remained a weak spot, recording another notable decline. Compared with a year earlier, the UK economy was about 1.4% larger, indicating gradual improvement despite ongoing pressure in some sectors, especially construction and car manufacturing.

Economists forecast GDP growth of 0.1% in the upcoming report.

15:30 – USA: Unemployment Claims (USD)

An initial claim is filed by an unemployed individual seeking eligibility for unemployment insurance after leaving a job. This count serves as a leading economic indicator, reflecting labor market conditions.

US jobless claims rose in late January, with initial claims increasing to 231,000, the highest level in several weeks. Despite the weekly jump, the four-week average moved up only slightly, suggesting the broader labor market remains relatively stable. The insured unemployment rate held steady at 1.2%, while the number of people continuing to receive unemployment benefits edged higher. Overall, longer-term unemployment measures remain near their lowest levels since early October, indicating no major deterioration in labor market conditions.

Economists anticipate 222,000 new claims.

Friday, February 13

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 December 2025, consumer prices showed little movement from the previous month, with the CPI holding steady at 106.9 (December 2020 = 100). On a year-over-year basis, prices were slightly higher, rising by 0.1%. For the full year 2025, average inflation came in at a modest 0.2%, indicating very mild overall price growth.

Analysts expect CPI to remain unchanged in the upcoming release.

15:30 – USA: CPI m/m (USD)

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the change in prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services, reflecting spending patterns of urban consumers and wage earners. It includes indexes like CPI-U for all urban consumers and CPI-W for urban wage earners, covering over 90% of the US population. CPI tracks inflation by comparing current prices to a reference base period.

In December, US consumer prices increased moderately, rising 0.3% from the previous month and standing 2.7% higher than a year earlier. Higher housing costs were the main driver of the monthly increase, while food and energy prices also moved up. Excluding food and energy, prices rose at a slower pace, suggesting inflation pressures remain relatively contained overall. Over the past year, food prices increased the most, while energy prices rose more moderately.

Economists expect consumer prices to rise by 0.3% in the next release.

Company Earnings (February 9– 13)

Tuesday, February 10: KO (The Coca-Cola Company)

Tuesday, February 10: BP (BP p.l.c.)

Wednesday, February 11: CSCO (Cisco Systems, Inc.)

Wednesday, February 11: MCD (McDonald’s Corporation)

Conclusion

Overall, this week’s data will be closely watched for confirmation of current economic trends, particularly in consumer demand, labor market strength, and inflation pressures. Any surprises in the US reports could influence expectations for monetary policy and drive short-term moves in the dollar, while UK GDP and Swiss inflation data will provide additional direction for the pound and the franc. Alongside these releases, major corporate earnings may further shape market sentiment, making this an important week for both macro and equity-focused participants.