Economy

Key Market and Business Events to Watch in North America

Published January 18, 2024

The upcoming business and economic events are set to provide insights into the labor market, residential construction growth, and business outlook in North America. With several reports due for release, investors and analysts will have the opportunity to gauge the health of these sectors.

Upcoming Labor Market Reports

Market watchers can anticipate the release of the OECD Harmonised Unemployment Rates along with a detailed quarterly labor market situation assessment. These reports will shed light on employment trends and provide a clearer view of the labor market dynamics as of the third quarter.

Construction and Business Climate Surveys

Key statistics on new residential construction, including housing starts and building permits, are due to be released. This data provides an important measure of the housing market's strength and potential economic growth. Concurrently, the Philadelphia Fed Business Outlook Survey will offer a glimpse into the manufacturing sector's sentiment.

Weekly Economic Indicators

The economic calendar also includes weekly updates such as international reserves from Russia, updates from the US on unemployment insurance weekly claims, and reports on natural gas and petroleum inventories. These indicators are crucial for investors interested in short-term market movements and the energy sector's outlook.

Financial Sector Earnings

A host of financial institutions will report their earnings, providing a snapshot of the banking sector's performance. Regional banks and financial services companies across North America are expected to disclose their quarterly results, which could signal the financial health of both the institutions and the broader economy.

Analyst Ratings Actions

Finally, the recent analyst ratings actions across various companies can influence market perceptions and investment decisions. Upgrades and downgrades by leading research firms can impact stock prices and investor sentiment. Key rating changes include adjustments by Jefferies, UBS, Wolfe Research, and several others.

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