Week Ahead: All Eyes on the Rate Decisions of the Fed, SNB, BOE, and BOJ

September 18, 2023

This week, traders are mainly focused on the rate decisions of major central banks, such as the Federal Reserve, Swiss National Bank (SNB), Bank of England (BOE), and Bank of Japan (BOJ). These decisions have the potential to influence the markets significantly. It’s advisable to exercise caution and stay informed about the latest developments to ensure a successful week of trading.

Here are some notable market highlights for this week:

Canada Consumer Price Index (19 September 2023)

Consumer prices in Canada rose 0.6% in July 2023, following a 0.1% gain in June 2023. 

Analysts expect a 0.6% increase in the figures for August, which are set to be released on 19 September.

Federal Reserve Rate Decision (21 September 2023)

The Fed raised its funds rate target to 5.5% in July. 

Analysts expect the Fed to keep interest rates at 5.5% following its upcoming meeting on 21 September.

Swiss National Bank Rate Decision (21 September 2023) 

The SNB raised its policy interest rate by 25 bps to 1.75% during its June meeting. It also raised the possibility of further rate hikes in the future to ensure price stability over the medium term.

The next rate decision will be released on 21 September, with analysts expecting another increase of 25 bps to 2%.

Bank of England Rate Decision (21 September 2023) 

The BOE raised its policy interest rate by 25 bps to 5.25% during its August 2023 meeting, marking the 14th consecutive increase. 

Analysts expect the central bank to raise its rate by another 25 bps to 5.5% at its upcoming meeting on 21 September.

Bank of Japan Rate Decision (22 September 2023)

The BOJ unanimously decided to keep its key short-term interest rate at -0.1% and 10-year bond yields at 0% during its July 2023 meeting.

For the upcoming meeting on 22 September, analysts anticipate that the central bank will maintain the current interest rate levels.

Flash manufacturing PMI for Germany, the UK, and the US (22 September 2023) 

Germany’s manufacturing PMI increased to 39.1 in August 2023 from 38.8 in July 2023. Meanwhile, the UK’s manufacturing PMI for the same period fell from 45.3 to 43. Additionally, the US’ manufacturing PMI for the same period decreased from 49 to 47.9

The next set of data will be released on 22 September. Analysts’ predicted manufacturing PMIs are 39 for Germany, 43.6 for the UK, and 48.8 for the US.

Flash services PMI for Germany, the UK, and the US (22 September 2023) 

Germany’s services PMI declined from 52.3 in July 2023 to 47.3 in August 2023. Similarly, the UK’s services PMI declined from 51.5 to 49.5 during this period, while the US’ services PMI also fell from 52.3 to 50.2 during the same period. 

Analysts’ predicted services PMIs for September 2023 are as follows: Germany at 47.2, the UK at 49.1, and the US at 50.2.