The ongoing geopolitical risks in the Middle East conflict are likely to continue to occupy investors in the new trading week. Following Friday's strong US labour market report, the focus should turn to the publication of new US inflation data in addition to the FOMC minutes. Friday also marks the start of the reporting season.
Numerous Fed representatives have their say - monetary policy stimulus conceivable
Already on Monday, speeches by Fed representatives will be scrutinized in the usual way for monetary policy hints. Governor Michelle Bowmann (19:00) will be joined by FOMC member Neel Kashkari (Minneapolis/19:50). On Monday night, Raphael Bostic (Atlanta/00:00) and Alberto Musalem will appear before the public (St. Louis/00:30).
With Vice President Philip Jefferson (Wednesday, 6:30 pm), Mary Daly (San Francisco/00:00 am) and Governor Lisa Cook (Thursday, 3:15 pm) as well as John Williams (New York/17:00 pm), further Fed representatives will have their say.
On Wednesday evening, the focus will be on the so-called transcripts of the Fed's meeting two weeks ago (20:00). Investors are hoping for new clues about the future shape of US monetary policy.
US inflation could fall further - interest rate cut signals possible
New inflation data for the United States could decide the weal and woe of the stock market week on Thursday (14:30).
According to economists, consumer prices, including energy and food, are likely to have risen by 2.3% in September compared to the same month last year, which is significantly less than in the previous month. The core rate of inflation, which the Fed considers to be decisive, may have risen by 0.2 percent month-on-month, compared to 0.3 percent in August.
Producer prices are likely to move - JPMorgan and Co report on the past quarter on Friday
Last but not least, producer prices will come into focus on Friday (14:30), which can provide an important indication of inflation trends.
Investors should also keep an eye on consumer confidence (Reuters/University of Michigan) (16:00).
Traditionally, the US financial institutions JPMorgan, Wells Fargo and the Bank of New York Mellon kick off the reporting season. BlackRock's figures are also likely to attract interest.
