China, inflation and NAFTA in focus
Aside from the latest salvos from the White House in the trade battle with China, markets will have plenty of events to focus on in the week ahead.
1) Boao Forum
Asia's answer to Davos starts Monday and Chinese President Xi Jinping gives the keynote address on Tuesday. More on that here.
2) IMF world economic outlook
This release always seems to catch market participants off guard. It includes a forecast for global economic growth and individual forecasts for the major economies. It's due Monday at 1400 GMT. The February forecast for global growth was 3.9% for 2018 and 2019.
3) US CPI and FOMC minutes
The US economic calendar is light this week but the main highlights are on Wednesday with PCI and the FOMC minutes. Year-over-year CPI is expected up 2.3% and 2.0% on the core. The minutes are for the March 21 decision when Powell raised rates in his first meeting as leader.
4) German CPI
France reports Thursday with Germany and Spain on Friday. The ECB wants to see prices moving in the right direction. Speeches from Coeure and Weidmann on Thursday will also be watched closely as well as the ECB's annual report with Constancio on Monday.
5) Summit of the Americas
Trump heads to Lima and Bogota in a Summit that will start Friday and last three days. Several reports say he wants to announce a NAFTA deal in principle on this trip.
For more, check the economic calendar.
