LOOKING AHEAD - Next Weeks Trading Calendar

What to look forward to this week:

Fresh optimism engulfed global markets last week as the USA seemed to change its tone to a more positive one on the ongoing trade war with China. Although no official statements or undertakings have been done to this regard, this is welcome news for a global economy that is struggling to sustain growth. Locally, markets traded relatively mixed as the SARB kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.75%, while pessimism shrouded SA retailers following weaker sales updates from a couple of retailers. We are expecting a couple of trading updates from JSE listed miners as well as the remaining retailers in this week’s trading. Below I have highlighted these events and other economic data that you can expect during the coming week.

• On Monday morning all the attention will be on China as it is expected to release its Fixed Asset Investment, Industrial Production, Retail Sales and GDP data. This could potentially set the tone for market direction for the entire week. Locally, we are anticipating BHP Group to release its 2019 operational review. US markets will be closed for Martin Luther King day.

• In terms of economic data, the United Kingdom will be in the spotlight on Tuesday as it is expected to release its Average Earnings Index, Public Sector Net Borrowing, and Unemployment Rate. On the JSE, we are expecting a sales update from Shoprite Holdings, as well as a trading update from BHP Group.

• Japan kicks off Wednesday as the Bank of Japan is expected to announce its interest rate decision. The bank is forecasted to keep rates unchanged at -0.10%. The World Economic Forum kicks in Davos on the same day. Locally, we are expecting December South African inflation data to be released by Statistics SA at 10am as well as Consumer Price Index data.

• There are few potential market movers for the JSE on Thursday as we are expecting trading updates from Anglo American PLC, Anglo American Platinum, Sasol and Vodacom, as well as a production update from Kumba Iron Ore. On the international front, we are anticipating Manufacturing and Services PMI numbers for all the major financial centres expect China. The ECB is scheduled to announce its rate decision at 2.45pm, and estimates suggest the bank will also leave rates unchanged at 0.00%. This decision will be followed by a press conference at 3.30pm. From the USA, we are expecting the weekly Initial Jobless Claims numbers at 3.30pm, and Crude Oil Inventories numbers at 6pm.

• Friday is expected to be relatively subdued as we are not expecting any significant economic data releases. On the JSE, Adapt IT Holdings is expected to release its interim results.

We will be keeping tabs on the events in the markets. Check out our blog for market updates, insights from our GT247.com team, and our independent analysts. Not sure about a trade? Call the GT247.com Trading Desk on 087 940 6102 and bounce your idea off one of our dedicated traders.

Until next week, we wish you profitable trading!