Upcoming Economic Events This Week: What They Mean and Why They Matter

Understanding what’s scheduled on the economic calendar can make a real difference—especially for new traders or anyone trying to interpret market movements. That’s why we’ve put together this clear and beginner-friendly guide that walks through all the upcoming economic events this week, running from March 31 to April 4, 2025.

These reports don’t just show numbers—they help shape interest rate decisions, currency valuations, and investor confidence. So, whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve your market awareness, here’s everything you need to know about this week’s scheduled announcements.

Monday, March 31, 2025

China’s Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing PMI

Time: 01:00 GMT
Released by: National Bureau of Statistics of China
Forecasts:

• Manufacturing PMI: 50.5

• Non-Manufacturing PMI: 50.5

What is it

This data shows how Chinese factories and service companies are performing. The number 50 is the dividing line—above 50 means growth, below 50 means decline. These two reports together provide a good snapshot of China’s economic health at the start of each month.

Why does it matter

China is one of the largest economies in the world. Therefore, its performance influences not just its own region but global demand as well. A strong reading can boost confidence in global markets, especially for countries that export heavily to China, like Australia and New Zealand.

What to expect

While the forecast suggests mild growth in both sectors, any surprise—especially a drop below 50—could shake market sentiment. On the other hand, stronger-than-expected numbers might give risk assets a boost early in the week.

Germany’s Retail Sales

Time: 06:00 GMT
Released by: Destatis (Germany’s statistical authority)
Forecasts:

• Month-over-month: 0.0%

• Year-over-year: 3.2%

What is it

Retail sales data shows how much people in Germany are spending on goods. It includes everything from groceries to electronics and helps track economic momentum through consumer behavior.

Why does it matter

Consumer spending drives a large portion of the economy. If people are shopping more, it usually means they’re feeling secure about their finances. Consequently, rising retail sales can point to economic strength and may lift the euro.

What to expect

This week, sales are expected to remain flat month-over-month but show solid growth year-over-year. If the yearly number continues to climb, traders may feel more confident in the euro’s short-term outlook.

UK Mortgage Approvals and Consumer Credit

Time: 09:30 GMT
Released by: Bank of England
Forecasts:

• Mortgage Approvals: 66,000

• Consumer Credit: £1.5 billion

What is it

These two indicators offer insight into the UK’s housing market and consumer behavior. Mortgage approvals track new home loans, while consumer credit shows how much people are borrowing for things like personal expenses or car purchases.

Why does it matter

A healthy housing market often signals wider economic confidence. Meanwhile, rising consumer credit can show that people are willing to spend more, which keeps the economy ticking. However, too much borrowing might also raise concerns about future debt risks.

What to expect

The figures are expected to stay steady, with only slight changes from the previous month. This suggests the UK economy may be holding its ground, and market reactions will likely depend on how closely the actual numbers match forecasts.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

US ISM Manufacturing PMI

Time: 14:00 GMT
Released by: Institute for Supply Management
Forecast: 49.5

What is it

This is a major report that measures how busy U.S. factories are. Just like the Chinese PMI, 50 is the key level—above it means expansion, below it means contraction.

Why does it matter

Manufacturing activity influences jobs, supply chains, and business confidence. When this number drops below 50, it can lead investors to worry about slowing economic momentum.

What to expect

This month’s forecast falls just below the 50 mark, indicating a potential slowdown. If the actual result is even lower, we may see short-term weakness in the U.S. dollar and possible declines in equity markets.

US S&P Global Final Manufacturing PMI

Time: 13:45 GMT
Released by: S&P Global
Forecast: 49.8

What is it

This report is a secondary reading of the same manufacturing activity, but it comes from a different source. It helps confirm the earlier trends seen in the ISM report.

Why does it matter

Even though it’s not as closely watched as the ISM version, it still provides useful information. Any unexpected revision can lead to market moves, especially in short-term trading.

What to expect

Since no change from the flash estimate is expected, it may not move markets much—unless it surprises.

US Job Openings (JOLTS)

Time: 14:00 GMT
Released by: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Forecast: 7.7 million

What is it

This shows how many jobs are open but not yet filled in the U.S. It’s one of the best indicators of labor market strength.

Why does it matter

When there are lots of open jobs, it usually means businesses are doing well and looking to grow. Fewer openings could mean employers are pulling back, which could hint at economic weakness.

What to expect

A drop is expected compared to last month. If that’s the case, it may add to concerns about a cooling labor market and influence the Federal Reserve’s interest rate outlook.

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

US ADP Employment Report

Time: 12:15 GMT
Released by: ADP Research Institute
Forecast: +120,000

What is it

This report looks at how many new jobs were added in the U.S. private sector, based on payroll data.

Why does it matter

It serves as a preview for the big Non-Farm Payroll (NFP) report coming later in the week. Traders use this to gauge whether the job market is strengthening or weakening.

What to expect

Analysts predict a solid improvement compared to the previous month. If the number is stronger than forecast, it could provide temporary support for the U.S. dollar.

US Factory Orders

Time: 14:00 GMT
Released by: US Census Bureau
Forecast: +0.6%

What is it

This measures how many new orders U.S. factories received during the month. It reflects business confidence and future production activity.

Why does it matter

More orders suggest that businesses expect strong demand, which can boost overall economic growth.

What to expect

While the pace of growth may be slower than before, a positive number still indicates steady demand. Markets may respond positively unless the result comes in much lower than expected.

US “Liberation Day” Tariff Update

Time: Unconfirmed
Announced by: The White House

What is it

President Trump may announce a set of new tariffs, possibly including a 25% tax on imported vehicles.

Why does it matter

Tariffs can make goods more expensive and trigger trade disputes. That can hurt companies involved in global trade and shake up stock markets.

What to expect

If new tariffs are confirmed, markets might react quickly—especially in sectors like automotive and manufacturing. Traders should stay alert for official announcements.

Thursday, April 3, 2025

US Weekly Jobless Claims

Time: 12:30 GMT
Released by: Department of Labor
Forecast: 226,000

What is it

This report shows how many people applied for unemployment benefits for the first time last week.

Why does it matter

It’s updated weekly, making it one of the most current indicators of job market health. Lower claims generally mean fewer layoffs.

What to expect

Forecasts point to a small increase, but still within a healthy range. Unless the number is far off, the market reaction may be limited.

US Trade Balance

Time: 12:30 GMT
Released by: U.S. Census Bureau and BEA
Forecast: -$123.0 billion

What is it

This report shows how much more the U.S. imports than it exports. A large trade deficit means more money is leaving the country than coming in from overseas trade.

Why does it matter

Trade balances affect the value of a country’s currency and its relationships with trading partners. A smaller deficit is usually seen as positive.

What to expect

The forecast points to an improving trade balance. If the actual figure is even better, it could give the U.S. dollar a slight boost.

US ISM Services PMI

Time: 14:00 GMT
Released by: Institute for Supply Management
Forecast: 53.0

What is it

This report measures the performance of the services sector, which includes healthcare, retail, tech, and many other industries.

Why does it matter

Because services make up a huge part of the U.S. economy, this number gives an important signal about overall growth.

What to expect

A modest slowdown is forecasted, but anything above 50 still shows expansion. If the number is weaker than expected, we could see some downside pressure on stocks and the dollar.

Friday, April 4, 2025

US Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP)

Time: 12:30 GMT
Released by: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Forecast: +140,000

What is it

This is the main monthly U.S. jobs report. It covers how many new jobs were created in all industries except farming.

Why does it matter

This release can have a major impact on currency and stock markets. It also influences decisions made by the Federal Reserve.

What to expect

Although growth is expected to slow slightly, markets are likely to react strongly to any big surprises—either positive or negative.

US Unemployment Rate

Time: 12:30 GMT
Released by: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Forecast: 4.1%

What is it

This number tells us what percentage of people in the labor force are without jobs and actively looking for work.

Why does it matter

A higher unemployment rate can hurt market confidence, while a lower rate usually supports economic optimism.

What to expect

The rate is expected to stay the same. However, if it unexpectedly rises or falls, it could cause swift market reactions.

US Average Hourly Earnings

Time: 12:30 GMT
Released by: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Forecast:

• Month-over-month: +0.3%

• Year-over-year: +3.9%

What is it

This measures how much wages are growing. It’s one of the main signals of inflation pressure.

Why does it matter

Rising wages can push inflation higher, which may lead to higher interest rates. That’s why the Fed watches this closely.

What to expect

Forecasts show steady growth. If wages rise faster than expected, it might shift market expectations about future rate hikes.

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