The Week Ahead: Key Economic Events to Watch for March 23 – 27, 2026 

Overview

This week’s calendar is packed with major economic releases that could drive volatility across the euro, pound, US dollar, and Australian dollar. Traders will be watching closely for fresh PMI data, inflation numbers, US jobless claims, and UK retail sales, as these reports will offer a clearer picture of growth, consumer demand, and price pressures in key economies.

High Impact Economic Events

Tuesday 10:30 am (GMT+2) – Germany: Flash Manufacturing PMI (EUR)

Tuesday 10:30 am (GMT+2) – Germany: Flash Services PMI (EUR)

Tuesday 11:30 am (GMT+2) – UK: Flash Manufacturing PMI (GBP)

Tuesday 11:30 am (GMT+2) – UK: Flash Services PMI (GBP)

Tuesday 15:45 (GMT+2) – USA: Flash Manufacturing PMI (USD)

Tuesday 15:45 (GMT+2) – USA: Flash Services PMI (USD)

Wednesday 02:30 am (GMT+2) – Australia: CPI m/m (AUD)

Wednesday 09:00 am (GMT+2) – UK: CPI y/y (GBP)

Thursday 14:30 (GMT+2) – USA: Unemployment Claims (USD)

Friday 09:00 am (GMT+2) – UK: Retail Sales m/m (GBP)

Tuesday, March 24

10:30 am – Germany: Flash Manufacturing PMI (EUR)

The Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is an economic indicator that reflects the performance of the manufacturing sector. It is based on surveys of purchasing managers across key areas such as new orders, production, employment, supplier deliveries, and inventory levels. A PMI reading above 50 indicates expansion in the manufacturing sector, while a reading below 50 signals contraction. The Manufacturing PMI is widely used to gauge the overall health of the manufacturing economy and to anticipate economic trends, influencing business decisions and policymaking.

In February, Germany’s manufacturing sector improved, with the HCOB Manufacturing PMI rising to 50.9 from 49.1 in January. This pushed the index above 50, signaling growth for the first time in more than three and a half years. Stronger production and new orders drove the improvement, while business confidence also rose. At the same time, higher costs for materials, energy, and wages put pressure on manufacturers.

Economists expect a contractionary reading of 49.8 in the upcoming release.

10:30 am – Germany: Flash Services PMI (EUR)

The Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is an economic indicator that measures the performance of the services sector. It is based on surveys of business executives in industries such as finance, healthcare, retail, and other service-oriented areas. The index reflects changes in key variables such as new business, employment, prices, and output. A PMI reading above 50 indicates expansion in the services sector, while a reading below 50 signals contraction. It is a critical gauge for assessing economic health and guiding monetary policy decisions.

In February, Germany’s services sector grew faster, with the HCOB Services PMI rising to 53.5 from 52.4 in January, its highest level in four months. The improvement was driven by stronger demand, more new clients, and a rise in overseas business.

Economists anticipate a growth reading of 52.5 in the upcoming release.

11:30 am – UK: Flash Manufacturing PMI (GBP)

In February, UK manufacturing kept improving, with the PMI at 51.7, showing the sector is still growing. Factories increased production at the fastest pace in 17 months, helped by stronger orders from both UK and overseas customers. Export demand was especially strong, reaching its fastest growth in four and a half years.

Economists expect a reading of 51.1 in the next release.

11:30 am – UK: Flash Services PMI (GBP)

In February, the UK services sector kept growing, with the Services PMI at 53.9, almost unchanged from 54.0 in January. Because the reading stayed well above 50, it shows the sector is still expanding at a solid pace.

The growth was supported by improving demand and stronger domestic spending, but there were still pressures underneath. Many firms continued cutting jobs to control rising costs, especially wages, food, and technology expenses, and many also raised their prices. Overall, the sector remains resilient, but higher costs are still a challenge.

Economists expect a growth reading of 53.0 in the next release.

15:45 – USA: Flash Manufacturing PMI (USD)

In February, US manufacturing continued to grow, but more slowly. The PMI fell to 51.6 from 52.4 in January, showing that factory activity was still expanding, but at its weakest pace in seven months. Production and new orders both increased more slowly, while exports fell again, partly because of tariffs and weaker trade demand.

15:45 – USA: Flash Services PMI (USD)

In February, the US services sector kept growing, but at a slower pace, with the Flash Services PMI slipping to 52.3 from 52.7 in January. Since it stayed above 50, the reading still points to expansion, just with less momentum than the month before.

The slowdown suggests demand softened, especially from overseas customers, while hiring was only modest. At the same time, service companies still faced high costs and continued raising prices, though confidence about the year ahead remained positive. Overall, the sector is still expanding, but growth cooled in February.

Wednesday, March 25

02:30 am – Australia: CPI m/m (AUD)

In January 2026, Australia’s annual inflation rate was 3.8%, unchanged from December, while the monthly CPI rose 0.4% (or 0.5% seasonally adjusted). Prices were still rising most in housing, food, and recreation, showing that cost-of-living pressures remained strong.

Economists expect the yearly CPI to remain at 3.8% in the upcoming release.

09:00 am – UK: CPI y/y (GBP)

In January 2026, UK inflation slowed. The main CPI rate fell to 3.0% from 3.4% in December, while CPIH, which also includes housing costs, dropped to 3.2% from 3.6%.

Prices also fell compared with the previous month, with CPI down 0.5% and CPIH down 0.3% in January. This suggests price pressures eased at the start of the year, although inflation was still above normal levels.

Economists expect no change in the next release.

Thursday, March 26

14:30 – 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. However, because these are weekly administrative data, they can be volatile and challenging to adjust seasonally.

US jobless claims fell slightly in the latest week, with 205,000 new claims filed, down from 213,000 the week before. This suggests layoffs remain relatively low and the labor market is still fairly stable.

At the same time, the number of people continuing to receive unemployment benefits rose to 1.857 million, showing that while fewer people are newly losing jobs, some are taking longer to find new work.

Economists expect 211,00 new claims in the next release.

Friday, March 27

09:00 am – UK: Retail Sales m/m (GBP)

Retail Sales show the changes in the value of retail goods sold in the UK for the given month compared to the previous month. The calculation uses season-adjusted data from British retailers.

The indicator is used in forecasting, budgeting, and developing UK financial and economic policy. Retail sales growth can positively affect British pound quotes.

UK retail sales edged up over the past three months, rising 0.1%, helped by stronger fuel sales and a solid start to the year for non-food stores. This was partly offset by weaker supermarket sales.

In January 2026 alone, retail sales rose 1.8%, following a 0.4% increase in December. The jump was driven in part by stronger sales of artwork, antiques, and online jewellery, suggesting shoppers spent more at the start of the year.

Economists expect UK retail sales to ease by 0.3% in the next release.

Company Earnings (March 23 – 27)

Tuesday, March 24: GME (GameStop Corp.)

Wednesday, March 26: CTAS (Cintas Corporation)

Wednesday, March 26: PAYX (Paychex, Inc.)

Conclusion

Overall, this week’s releases could give traders a clearer read on whether growth is holding up or starting to lose momentum across the major economies. With PMI data, inflation, jobless claims, and retail sales all in focus, the results may shape expectations for currencies and central bank policy in the days ahead.