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Thursday 30 April 2026
12 May Week Ahead: US CPI, Retail Sales, Earnings & More
A new week is here, and with it come many financial and economic events and releases, providing traders with key insights as we near the year's second half.
Let’s dive in:
Reports from the World’s Biggest Economy
The US is set for an eventful week, with reports on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Consumer Sentiment, and Retail Sales due to be released this week.
US CPI
The US CPI report is scheduled for release on Tuesday, 13 May. Headline inflation is expected to hold steady at 2.4% year-over-year, the same rate reported in March, which surprised markets. (Source: Investing.com)
Regardless of the outcome, the Federal Reserve has made it clear, following its policy meeting last week, that it is looking for clear signs of inflation improvement before considering any interest rate cuts. As such, this week's CPI report will serve as a crucial indicator for the Fed's next steps on monetary policy.
US Retail Sales
US Retail Sales is scheduled for release on Thursday, 15 May. Despite ongoing economic uncertainty from geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and global conflicts, American consumers have continued spending mainly. However, analysts caution that last month’s Consumer Sentiment declined for the eighth consecutive time, and indicators from institutions like Bank of America and sectors such as restaurants suggest that while spending continues, it has slowed significantly compared to previous levels. This makes the upcoming retail sales report particularly important in gauging the resilience of consumer behaviour.
US Consumer Sentiment
The US Consumer Sentiment Survey will be released on Friday, 16 May, offering fresh insight into how consumers are currently perceiving the economy. Notably, this report follows several months of declining sentiment, driven largely by concerns over tariffs and rising consumer prices. This week’s survey will be closely watched for signs of shifting consumer attitudes amid ongoing economic uncertainty. It will be interesting to see if this less-than-favourable pattern will persist.
Corporations Continue Reporting Earnings
Earnings season continues this week as well, with reports from the following companies:
Tuesday, 13 May:
Wednesday, 14 May:
Thursday, 15 May:
What will the data reveal?
More Reports to Keep in Mind
Besides the abovementioned reports, investors, consumers, and analysts may want to keep tabs on the following:
Tuesday, 13 May
India CPI
UK Jobless Claims and Unemployment
Wednesday, 14 May:
Spain CPI
Germany CPI
Australia Unemployment
Thursday, 15 May:
Friday, 16 May:
Hong Kong GDP
Italy CPI and Trade Balance
Russia CPI, GDP and Trade Balance
France Unemployment
Conclusion
As markets approach mid-year, this week’s packed economic calendar could be pivotal in shaping monetary policy expectations and investor sentiment. With critical US data and global reports on tap, all eyes will be on how consumers, central banks, and corporations navigate an increasingly complex economic landscape.
*Past performance does not indicate future results
