Week Ahead: Markets to Focus on US Retail Sales and Australia Wage Price and Employment Change

May 15, 2023

The financial industry anticipates major economic reports this week, focusing on the US Retail Sales and Australia Wage Price Index and Employment Change. These reports are crucial for traders navigating the markets and making informed decisions.

NY Empire State Manufacturing Index | US (15 May)
The NY Empire State Manufacturing Index unexpectedly jumped to 10.8 in April 2023 from -24.6 in March 2023.
Analysts expect a reading of 8 for May 2023.

Claimant Count Change | UK (16 May)
The number of people claiming for unemployment benefits in the UK rose by 28,200 in March 2023, the first increase in three months, and the biggest since February 2021.
The UK Claimant Count Change for April will be released on 16 May, with analysts expecting a decrease of 15,000.

Consumer Price Index | Canada (16 May)
Canada’s CPI increased by 0.5% in March 2023 compared to February 2023 figures.
Data for April will be released on 16 May, with analysts expecting an increase of 0.3%.

Retail Sales | US (16 May)
US retail sales dropped 0.6% in March 2023, after falling 0.7% in February 2023.
Analysts project a 0.7% increase for April 2023, with the data set to be published on 16 May.

Wage Price Index | Australia (17 May)
Australia’s seasonally adjusted Wage Price Index jumped 3.3% year-on-year in Q4 2022, after an upwardly revised 3.2% growth in Q3 2022.
Data for Q1 2023 will be released on 17 May, with analysts expecting another increase of 3.5%.

Employment Change | Australia (18 May)
Australia’s employment rate increased to 13.88 million, with a surge of 53,000 in March 2023. The unemployment rate stood at 3.5%.
The data for April 2023 is set to release on 18 May, with analysts expecting the employment rate to increase by 25,000. The unemployment rate is likely to remain at 3.5%.