Top Economic Events To Watch | December 2 – December 6 – 2024

From December 2 to 6, the financial markets will be buzzing with a series of high-impact economic releases. From the state of the manufacturing sector to labor market dynamics and consumer sentiment, each report holds the potential to drive significant asset movements.

In this roundup, we’ll cover the highlights, forecasts, and market implications to help you stay ahead of the game.

🇺🇸 ISM Manufacturing PMI — December 2, at 17:00 (GMT+2)

The ISM Manufacturing PMI takes center stage, offering a glimpse into the health of the U.S. manufacturing sector. With a forecast of 46.9, edging up from the previous 46.5, the data could indicate a modest recovery in manufacturing activity, though still in contraction territory.

Market participants will be closely watching assets like $EURUSD, $US30, and $XAUUSD, as this release often sets the tone for broader economic sentiment.

🇺🇸 JOLTS Job Openings — December 3, at 17:00 (GMT+2)

The JOLTS Job Openings report will offer a fresh look at U.S. labor demand, with the forecast set at 7.492 million, edging up from the previous 7.443 million. A higher number would signal robust hiring potential, strengthening the dollar and boosting indices like $SPX500 and $NAS100.

Conversely, a decline could indicate cracks in labor market resilience, potentially supporting $XAUUSD as investors seek safety amidst concerns about economic slowdown.

🇺🇸 ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI — December 4, at 17:00 (GMT+2)

The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI brings the U.S. service sector into focus, with an expected reading of 52.1, significantly down from the prior 56.0. This sharp decline may signal a deceleration in the largest segment of the U.S. economy, raising red flags for market growth.

Key assets to watch include $XAUUSD, which could rise on risk aversion, and $US30, which may face headwinds if sentiment sours. A surprise to the upside, however, could invigorate confidence in the resilience of service-oriented industries.

🇪🇺 Retail Sales m/m — December 5, at 12:00 (GMT+2)

Eurozone Retail Sales data will shed light on the region’s consumer spending trends, a cornerstone of economic health. Forecasted at 0.3%, down from the previous 0.5%, the release could signal softening consumer activity.

A weaker print may pressure $EURUSD lower and weigh on European indices, while a stronger figure could provide a much-needed boost to the euro and improve investor sentiment around Eurozone recovery prospects.

🇺🇸 Nonfarm Payrolls — December 6, at 15:30 (GMT+2)

The Nonfarm Payrolls report, the heavyweight economic release of the week, promises to stir the markets with its forecast of 176K, a significant recovery from last month’s mere 12K.

This surge, if realized, would underline the resilience of the U.S. labor market, likely strengthening $USD and driving indices like $NAS100 and $US30 higher. However, any disappointment in the figures could bolster $XAUUSD as a safe-haven play, highlighting concerns over slowing economic momentum heading into year-end.

That's it for this week! 👋

As this week brims with crucial economic data points, market participants should brace for potential swings and volatility.