Critical Data and Powell's Insights to Drive Market Movements

This week's economic calendar is packed with critical data releases and Powell's insights, poised to drive market movements. The highlight will be the confirmation of the fourth-quarter 2023 US GDP growth rate on Thursday. Alongside, the Consumer Sentiment Index and Consumer Inflation Expectation reports are expected to influence market dynamics. Stay tuned as these data points could shape the direction of financial markets in the coming days.

Economic Calendar: A Week of Critical Data and Powell's Insights

Is the Economic Data Line-Up Set to Move Markets?

This week is shaping up to be a pivotal one for financial markets, with a slew of key economic data releases scheduled. The highlight will be the release of the fourth-quarter 2023 US GDP data on Thursday, March 28, which is expected to confirm an annualized growth rate of 3.2%. Other crucial data points include the Consumer Sentiment Index and Consumer Inflation Expectation reports, also due on Thursday.

What's in Store for Inflation Gauges?

Inflation remains a persistent concern, with the annual inflation rate for the United States standing at 3.2% for the 12 months ending February. On Friday, the release of February's Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) will provide insights into the spending patterns of consumers, excluding volatile items like food and energy. This index is closely monitored by the Fed as a key inflation gauge.

Fed Chair Powell Takes the Stage

Adding to the market's focus, Fed Chair Jerome Powell will deliver a speech on Friday titled "Macroeconomics and Monetary Policy." Investors will be eager to hear his perspectives on the economic outlook and potential clues about the central bank's policy stance. According to CME data, the current probability of the FOMC maintaining interest rates in May stands at 89.1%.

Crypto Market Outlook: Recovery in Sight?

Is Crypto Poised for a Rebound?

Crypto markets experienced volatility last week but appear to have stabilized over the weekend. Total capitalization has increased by 2.5% in the past 24 hours, reaching $2.67 trillion as of Monday morning in Asia. However, markets remain down 7.5% from their multi-year peak earlier this month.

Bitcoin's Recovery

Bitcoin (BTC) is currently trading at around $67,000, having gained 4% on the day. It is still down 10% from its all-time high on March 14. Ethereum (ETH) has also seen a 4% increase, reaching $3,470 this Monday morning in Asia. Most altcoins are experiencing smaller gains, with Solana (SOL), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and Internet Computer (ICP) standing out with notable increases.

Raoul Pal's "Macro Summer" Prediction

Global Macro Investor CEO Raoul Pal believes that "macro summer" has arrived, signaling a period of increased risk appetite and growth in assets such as tech stocks and cryptocurrencies. This optimism stems from improving liquidity conditions.