The economic calendar, in plain English

Initial Jobless Claims

A weekly count of new unemployment-benefit filings. Fewer claims signal a tight labour market and support the dollar; a jump higher feeds rate-cut bets.

ISM Services PMI

A survey of purchasing managers in the dominant US services sector. Above 50 means expansion. A soft read reinforces the easing narrative and pressures the dollar.

Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP)

The headline US jobs number — the month's marquee release. It sets the tone for Fed expectations and can move every major pair, gold and yields in seconds.

Average Hourly Earnings

The wage component of the jobs report. Firm wages stoke inflation worries and lift yields; cooler wages cement the case for cuts, even if headline jobs beat.

BoE Interest Rate Decision

The Bank of England's rate verdict plus guidance. A hawkish hold lifts sterling; any dovish tilt on the path of cuts sends cable lower.

Core CPI (m/m)

Consumer inflation stripped of food and energy — the Fed's preferred read on the trend. A hot print delays cuts and lifts the dollar; a cool one does the opposite.

ECB Main Refinancing Rate

The European Central Bank's policy rate and statement. Sticky eurozone inflation has trimmed cut expectations; the tone here drives EUR/USD.

FOMC Meeting Minutes

The detailed account of the last Fed meeting. Traders parse it for hints on the September decision; hawkish or dovish nuance can shift the dollar and yields.