Below are the most important events in North America likely to affect FX and bond markets in the week ahead.

After a week of multiple central-bank decisions around the globe, focus now turns to economic data as investors seek clues as to their next moves.

U.S. and eurozone economic data will be closely watched as uncertainty remains about when the Federal Reserve and European Central Bank are likely to start cutting interest rates. Trade is likely to be muted heading into the Easter weekend, with Good Friday a public holiday in many countries, especially in Europe.


U.S.


The U.S. Federal Reserve left interest rates on hold at its March meeting and stuck to its prediction that rates would be cut three times this year despite recent strong inflation data. "The Fed seems biased to cut rates even though the economy is doing quite well," ING's global head of markets Chris Turner said in a note.

Still, economic data will continue to be scrutinized as the Fed requires further evidence of slowing inflation before lowering rates.

Friday's PCE price index data--the Fed's preferred inflation measure--for February will be particularly closely watched. If it remains high it could push Treasury yields higher, ING analysts said in a note, though the immediate reaction could be muted due to it being Good Friday.

Surveys will be watched for indications of whether U.S. economic activity has remained strong in March, including the Conference Board Consumer Confidence index on Tuesday, the final March University of Michigan consumer survey on Thursday and Chicago PMI on Friday.

Also attracting attention will be U.S. durable goods orders data for February on Tuesday, followed by the final estimate of fourth-quarter GDP and weekly jobless claims data on Thursday.

Data on the health of the U.S. housing market include February new home sales on Monday; the Case-Shiller Home price index for January on Tuesday; and February pending home sales on Thursday.


CANADA


Canadian GDP data for January are due on Thursday.


Write to Jessica Fleetham at jessica.fleethma@wsj.com and Fabiana Negrin Ochoa at fabiana.negrinochoa@wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

03-25-24 0814ET