Macro Calendar: US Housing Market in the Spotlight of Investors (18.08.2026)
The trading session on August 18, 2026, begins with notable movements in the financial markets, particularly with rising oil prices and a weaker US dollar. Investors are keenly awaiting important data releases from the United States, focusing on the housing market and international trade prices. Following a series of disappointing economic indicators, today's reports are critical in assessing the current state of the housing market amidst ongoing inflation concerns and potential interest rate hikes.
Key Economic Indicators
The macroeconomic calendar for the day includes several significant publications:
- 08:00 UK: Unemployment Rate - Consensus: 4.8%, Previous: 4.9%
- 11:00 Germany: ZEW Index for August - Consensus: 30, Previous: 26.3
- 14:30 USA:
- Building Permits - Consensus: 1.37M, Previous: 1.37M
- Housing Starts - Consensus: 1.35M, Previous: 1.42M
- Import Price Index - Consensus: 0.1%, Previous: 0.3%
- Pending Home Sales Index - Consensus: 0.1%, Previous: -5.4%
Market Insights
During the Asian session, the Westpac consumer confidence index for Australia showed a strong rebound at 6.0%, which is expected to provide short-term support for the Australian dollar. However, the market is also reacting to disappointing GDP growth data from Japan, leading to increased supply pressure.
Investors are particularly focused on the upcoming US housing data, which is anticipated to influence Federal Reserve policy decisions. The economic symposium in Jackson Hole is also on the horizon, adding to the market's volatility.
Company Earnings to Watch
Key financial results from major companies are set to be released, including:
- The Home Depot (pre-market)
- Amer Sports (pre-market)
- Keysight Technologies (post-market)
- Toll Brothers (post-market)
The cumulative publication of quarterly results from these industry giants, alongside hard macro data on building permits, could lead to significant stock movements after the market closes in New York.