11-16 August 2025 Economic Calendar: U.S. Inflation, Central Bank Meetings, and Earnings

The week ahead brings critical U.S. inflation data, central bank decisions from Australia, plus a packed earnings calendar featuring major companies.

TL;DR - 11-16 Week Ahead Key Points

• U.S. CPI is one of the week's top events, key for Fed rate expectations.

• The RBA is likely to cut rates.

• U.S. PPI and retail sales will offer deeper economic signals.

• Major earnings reports from Applied Materials, Cisco and Tencent.

Market Overview

The week commencing 11 August 2025 can be pivotal for financial markets, with US inflation data taking center stage alongside central bank meetings and earnings releases. Traders will be closely watching Tuesday's U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) release for signs of persistent inflationary pressures, whilst the Reserve Bank of Australia is scheduled to announce interest rate decisions. (Source: Trading Economics)

Key Economic Events This Week

Tuesday, 12 August 2025

• Reserve Bank of Australia Interest Rate Decision - The RBA is expected to cut cash rates by 25 basis points to 3.60%, with Governor Michele Bullock's subsequent press conference likely to provide insights into the central bank's assessment of domestic inflation and employment conditions.

• U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) - The marquee event of the week arrives with July CPI data. Core CPI is forecast to rise 0.2% month-on-month and 3.0% year-on-year, whilst headline CPI is expected to increase 0.2% monthly and 2.7% annually. This data will be crucial for Federal Reserve policy expectations.

• UK Employment Data - Unemployment rate for June is expected to remain steady at 4.7%, with average earnings, including bonus forecast at 5.0% year-on-year. (Source: Fanniemae)

Wednesday, 13 August 2025

• Australian Employment Change - July employment data is forecast to show a modest increase of 13,000 jobs, whilst the unemployment rate is expected to remain at 4.2%.

Thursday, 14 August 2025

• U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI) - Following Tuesday's CPI, the PPI data will provide additional insights into inflationary pressures, with core PPI expected to rise 0.1% month-on-month.

• UK GDP Growth - Second-quarter preliminary GDP data is forecast to show 0.1% quarterly growth and 0.7% annual expansion.

Friday, 15 August 2025

• U.S. Retail Sales - July retail sales data is expected to increase 0.4% month-on-month, providing insights into consumer spending patterns. (Source: Bank of England)

Earnings Calendar

This week features earnings reports from several major corporations:

Monday, 11 August

• Monday.com

Tuesday, 12 August

• Tencent Music Entertainment Group 

Wednesday, 13 August

• Cisco Systems

Thursday, 14 August

• Applied Materials 

• Deere 

• JD.COM

(Source: Nasdaq)

Market Implications

U.S. Dollar Outlook

The combination of CPI and PPI data this week will be crucial for USD direction. Recent softness in employment data has raised expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts, but persistent inflation could alter this trajectory. Current market pricing suggests a September rate cut remains possible.

Equity Market Considerations

Earnings season continues with particular focus on guidance updates given ongoing trade policy uncertainties. Technology companies with AI exposure and healthcare firms remain in spotlight, whilst traditional industries face margin pressure concerns.

Traders should monitor:

• Tuesday's US CPI for inflation trajectory

• RBA commentary on monetary policy outlook

• Earnings guidance from key technology and consumer companies

More Reports to Keep in Mind 

Besides the above, traders and investors may want to keep the following reports of the week in mind:

Monday, 11 August

• Denmark CPI

• Italy CPI

• Norway CPI

Tuesday, 12 August 

• Brazil CPI

• India CPI

• Netherlands CPI

• Singapore GDP

• UK Employment

• OPEC Monthly Oil Market Report

Wednesday, 13 August

• Argentina CPI

• Germany CPI

• Japan PPI

• Poland GDP

• Russia GDP and CPI

• Spain CPI

Thursday, 14 August

• Australia Unemployment 

• Eurozone GDP 

• France CPI

• Poland CPI

• Sweden CPI

• UK GDP

• US Initial Jobless Claims

Friday, 15 August

• Hong Kong GDP 

• Japan GDP

• New Zealand PMI

(Source: SP Global)

Conclusion

The week of 11-16 August 2025 represents a critical juncture for global markets, with US inflation data serving as the primary catalyst for monetary policy expectations and currency movements. The convergence of central bank meetings from Australia and an earnings calendar from major companies may create multiple trading opportunities across asset classes.

Investors should remain vigilant as inflation trends could reshape Federal Reserve policy trajectories, particularly with recent employment data suggesting potential economic softening. The technology sector's AI-driven momentum will be a key theme emerging from earnings reports.

*Past performance does not reflect future results.

*The above are only projections, and only time will tell what lies ahead.

FAQs:

What’s one of the most important events this week?

The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) release on Tuesday is a key event. Markets will be watching closely for signs of persistent inflation, which could influence the Federal Reserve's next move on interest rates.

Is the Reserve Bank of Australia expected to change interest rates?

Yes, the RBA is widely expected to cut rates by 25 basis points, bringing the cash rate to 3.60%. Governor Michele Bullock’s press conference will provide further policy insight.

Which companies are reporting earnings this week?

Key earnings reports include:

• Monday.com (Monday)

• Tencent Music (Tuesday)

• Cisco Systems (Wednesday)

• Applied Materials & Deere (Thursday)