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US and European market attention this week is centred on the US Personal Income and Outlays report (which includes the PCE price index), late-week flash PMI releases, and a continued ramp-up in the US earnings season.
Alongside key data, geopolitical developments, including renewed discussion around Greenland and tariff threats, remain part of the broader risk backdrop.
Quick facts:
- US PCE inflation: Closely watched by policymakers as an important inflation measure (released within the Personal Income and Outlays report).
- Flash PMIs: US, Eurozone, Germany, and the UK are due late week, offering a read on growth momentum.
- US earnings: Large-cap and index-heavy companies shaping sentiment at elevated index levels.
- Geopolitical headlines: Greenland and proposed tariff measures add a layer of uncertainty to broader risk sentiment.
- Equity indices: Trading at elevated levels, which may increase sensitivity to data and earnings surprises.
United States
What to watch
US markets reopen after the Juneteenth holiday, with the US data calendar featuring the PCE price index and core PCE measures. Outcomes that differ from expectations can influence interest-rate expectations and near-term risk sentiment.
Later in the week, flash PMIs offer a more current snapshot of activity across manufacturing and services. US earnings remain a key driver of sentiment, and with indices at elevated levels, valuation and guidance narratives may be tested as results are released.
Key releases and events
- Thu 22 Jan (US): BEA GDP release — Q3 2025 (Updated Estimate)
- Thu 22 Jan (US): BEA Personal Income and Outlays (Oct & Nov 2025) — includes PCE price index and core PCE
- Fri 23 Jan (US): S&P Global flash PMIs (manufacturing and services)
- Throughout the week: US earnings season continues
How markets may respond
- Equities: Indices have been trading at elevated levels. As of 10:30am AEDT, 20 January 2026, the S&P 500 was within ~50 points of its record high.
- USD: PCE results that differ from expectations can contribute to volatility in FX and USD-linked assets, while PMI data can influence shorter-term momentum.
- Earnings: In a market trading at elevated levels, earnings results and forward guidance can generate volatility even without large headline misses. Forward guidance and margin commentary are likely to be closely watched.
UK and eurozone
What to watch
In the UK, CPI and labour market data can influence rate expectations and perceptions of growth momentum. In Germany, producer price data offers insight into pipeline inflation pressures. Flash PMIs across the Eurozone, Germany, and the UK complete the week’s calendar and may influence near-term growth assessments.
Key releases and events
Eurozone and Germany
- Thu 22 Jan: Germany PPI
- Fri 23 Jan: Eurozone flash manufacturing PMI (with services PMI)
- Fri 23 Jan: Germany flash manufacturing PMI
United Kingdom
- Wed 21 Jan: UK CPI
- Thu 22 Jan: UK labour market report
- Fri 23 Jan: UK flash manufacturing PMI (with services PMI)
How markets may respond
- DAX: The German index has been trading at elevated levels. PMI and PPI outcomes may influence cyclical sectors, notably industrials and exporters.
- FTSE 100 and GBP: UK CPI and labour market data can affect rate expectations and GBP sensitivity, while PMI outcomes may influence sector-level performance within the index.
- EUR: Euro moves may reflect PMI momentum and inflation signals, though direction can still be heavily influenced by US outcomes and global risk sentiment.
Geopolitics
Reporting has focused on renewed discussion around Greenland and associated tariff threats. Reporting also outlines tariff rates and potential escalation timelines, though details and implementation remain subject to change, and the situation is fluid.
Market reaction has been limited so far. If rhetoric escalates, markets could see intermittent volatility across equities, commodities, and FX. safe-haven moves (including in gold) are possible, though reactions can be uneven and may reverse.
US and Europe calendar summary
- Wed 21 Jan: UK CPI
- Thu 22 Jan (US) / Fri 23 Jan(AEDT):
- US GDP (Q3 2025 updated estimate)
- US Personal Income and Outlays (Oct/Nov, includes PCE)
- UK labour market report
- Fri 23 Jan: Flash PMIs (US, Eurozone, Germany, UK)
Bottom line
- The Personal Income and Outlays report (including PCE inflation measures) is one of the key US macro events this week and may influence rate expectations if outcomes differ materially from expectations.
- With equity indices trading at elevated levels, markets may be more sensitive to negative surprises and guidance downgrades than to confirmatory data.
- European releases — particularly UK CPI and the flash PMIs — remain important locally but may still trade in the context of US outcomes and broader risk sentiment.
- Geopolitical developments around Greenland and tariffs remain a secondary but persistent source of uncertainty.
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